Biochar Utilization in Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Biosensing Applications: A Review

Abstract

Biochar, a carbonaceous material derived from biomass, has garnered significant attention for its biomedical applications due to its unique physicochemical properties. Recent advances in functionalized and composite biochar materials have enabled their use in antibacterial and anticancer treatments, as well as biosensing technologies. This review highlights recent advances in the use of biochar for antimicrobial, anticancer, and biosensing applications. Derived from plant-, marine-, or animal-based biomass through pyrolysis, biochar can be functionalized with silver nanoparticles, metal oxides, or polymers to enhance its antimicrobial activity. In anticancer research, biochar demonstrates the ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, modulate the cell cycle, and deliver targeted therapeutics, showing selective cytotoxicity against specific cancer cell types. Furthermore, biochar-based biosensors, when integrated with biomolecules such as enzymes, DNA, or antibodies, exhibit high sensitivity and specificity, making them suitable for precise disease diagnostics. These findings suggest that biochar holds significant potential as a sustainable biomedical material, offering alternatives to conventional antibiotics, supporting cancer therapy, and enabling sensitive biosensing platforms. Future functionalization strategies may further facilitate its clinical translation and practical applications.

Keywords: antibiotics; anticancer; biochar; biomedical application; biosensor.

Figure 1

Overview of potential applications of biochar across various fields. Biochar has diverse applications, including its use in food, cosmetics, agriculture, and medicine. Additionally, it plays a role in energy production, livestock management, environmental remediation, and catalysis, highlighting its multifunctional benefits in industrial and ecological sectors.

Figure 2

Schematic representation of biochar production and modification processes.

Figure 3

Schematic representation of biochar modification and its impact on physicochemical properties. Biochar undergoes various modification processes, including physical, chemical, and biological treatments, which enhance its structural and surface characteristics.

Figure 4

Schematic representation of biomedical applications of biochar and its role. Biochar demonstrates potential applications in the biomedical field, including antimicrobial and anticancer treatments. Additionally, biochar-based biosensors are categorized into enzyme-based biosensors, DNA-based biosensors, and immunosensors, which contribute to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.

Figure 5

Schematic illustration of biochar production from various biomass sources and its antimicrobial mechanisms. Biochar can be produced via pyrolysis at 400 °C using different types of biomass including plant-based materials (e.g., wood), marine-based materials (e.g., fish), and animal manure. The resulting biochar can be tested for cell affinity and antimicrobial activity. (A) Reprinted with permission from [119], Copyright © 2024, American Chemical Society. (B) Reprinted with permission from Ref. [120]. “+++ ” means no antibacterial effect.

Figure 6

Potential anticancer applications of biochar and its composites. Biochar, alone or in combination with additional nanomaterials, has shown promise in cancer therapy through multiple mechanisms. These include targeted drug delivery, induction of cancer cell apoptosis, and inhibition of protein synthesis. (A) Reprinted with permission from Ref. [135]. (B) Reprinted with permission from Ref. [136].

Figure 7

Summary illustration of biochar-based biosensors for detecting analysis targets involved human health. (A) Reprinted with permission from Ref. [155], Copyright © 2023. (B) Reprinted with permission from Ref. [156].