The Comprehensive Roadmap Toward Malaria Elimination Using Graphene and its Promising 2D Analogs

Malaria is a major public health concern with over 200 million new cases annually, resulting in significant financial costs. Preventive measures and diagnostic remedies are crucial in saving lives from malaria, and especially in developing nations. 2D materials are, therefore, ideal for fighting such an epidemic. Graphene and its derivatives are extensively studied due to their exceptional properties in this case. The biomedical applications of graphene-based nanomaterials have gained significant interest in recent years due to their remarkable biocompatibility, solubility, and selectivity. Their unique physicochemical characteristics, like ample surface area, biofunctionality, high purity, solubility, substantial drug-loading capacity, and superior ability to penetrate cell membranes, make them up-and-coming candidates as biodelivery carriers. In this review, crucial graphene-based technologies to combat malaria are discussed. The advancements in preventing and diagnosing malaria and the biocompatibility of graphene-based nanomaterials are emphasized. The roadmap for using graphene-based technology toward achieving the WHO global malaria elimination by 2030 is presented and discussed in detail. Graphene oxide, the most critical biocompatible graphene derivative for health sensors, is also discussed. Additionally, 2D chalcogenides, specifically sulfide-based transition-metal dichalcogenides, are reviewed in detecting malaria during its early stages.