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Antibiotic-Free Antibacterial Strategies Enabled by Nanomaterials: Progress and Perspectives.

Yue WangYannan YangYiru ShiHao SongChengzhong Yu
Published in: Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) (2019)
Bacterial infection is one of the top ten leading causes of death globally and the worst killer in low-income countries. The overuse of antibiotics leads to ever-increasing antibiotic resistance, posing a severe threat to human health. Recent advances in nanotechnology provide new opportunities to address the challenges in bacterial infection by killing germs without using antibiotics. Antibiotic-free antibacterial strategies enabled by advanced nanomaterials are presented. Nanomaterials are classified on the basis of their mode of action: nanomaterials with intrinsic or light-mediated bactericidal properties and others that serve as vehicles for the delivery of natural antibacterial compounds. Specific attention is given to antibacterial mechanisms and the structure-performance relationship. Practical antibacterial applications employing these antibiotic-free strategies are also introduced. Current challenges in this field and future perspectives are presented to stimulate new technologies and their translation to fight against bacterial infection.
Keyphrases
  • silver nanoparticles
  • human health
  • risk assessment
  • anti inflammatory
  • essential oil
  • wound healing
  • climate change
  • early onset