Gallium-based nano-liquid metals enabled antimicrobial mechanisms and biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, necessitating novel non-antibiotic therapeutic strategies.
• Gallium-based liquid metals (GLMs) are emerging as a promising class of materials for biomedical applications due to their unique properties.
• Reducing the size of liquid metals (LMs) to the nanoscale enhances cellular interactions and therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the antibacterial mechanisms of gallium-based nano-liquid metals (GNLMs).
• To summarize the applications of GNLMs in antibacterial biomedicine.
• To discuss the future prospects of GNLM research for developing novel antibacterial agents.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on GNLMs and their antibacterial properties.
• Analysis of various antibacterial mechanisms employed by GNLMs.
• Compilation of current and potential applications of GNLMs in biomedicine.

Main Results:

• GNLMs demonstrate diverse antibacterial mechanisms including drug delivery, physical disruption, ROS generation, Trojan horse effect, photothermal effects, and synergistic approaches.
• Key applications include antibacterial textiles, antifouling coatings, gastrointestinal disease treatment, anti-inflammatory therapy, and tissue repair.
• The review consolidates the potential of GNLMs as versatile platforms for combating bacterial infections.

Conclusions:

• GNLMs represent a significant advancement in antibiotic-free antibacterial strategies.
• Their multifaceted mechanisms and broad applicability underscore their therapeutic potential.
• Further research into GNLMs is crucial for developing next-generation antibacterial agents to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.