Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles: Pioneering targeted nanotherapy for bacterial infections

Bacterial infections pose a substantial and persistent threat to global health, compounded by the alarming increase in antibiotic resistance. Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (CMCNs) have emerged as a promising approach, leveraging the natural targeting properties of cell membranes for enhanced bacterial infection therapy. This review comprehensively examines the preparation, characterization, and diverse sources of CMCNs, focusing on their applications in treating bacterial infections and integrating advanced therapies like photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) to boost antibacterial efficacy. The review discusses critical barriers to clinical translation including production scalability, stability, and immune compatibility. The work underscores the potential of CMCNs in offering more targeted, effective treatments for drug-resistant infections, providing critical insights into their future clinical application.