Antimicrobial Mechanisms of Metal-Based Nanomaterials

With the progress of nanotechnology and nano-medicine, a wide range of antimicrobial agents based on nanomaterials have been extensively developed and applied in anti-infection therapy. Metal-based nanomaterials, due to their unique physicochemical properties and outstanding biocompatibility, are extensively used in bioanalysis, drug delivery systems, disease diagnosis, and treatment. Compared with traditional antimicrobial agents, metal-based nanomaterials demonstrate advantages including superior stability, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, potent antimicrobial effects, and lower risk of antibiotic resistance, making them a promising candidate for combating infections and drug-resistant bacteria. This article elucidates the antimicrobial mechanisms of metal-based nanomaterials, such as Au, Ag, Cu, ZnO, primarily focusing on physical damage, chemical activity, and biological function interference. Furthermore, it discusses synergistic antibacterial strategies to provide robust support for advancing research on the antimicrobial applications of metal-based nanomaterials.