Beyond traditional antibacterial agents: Novel approaches to combat resistant pathogens

As bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains become increasingly prevalent, traditional antibacterial therapies face mounting challenges. These resilient pathogens not only complicate the treatment of common infections but also undermine the efficacy of therapies for major diseases. This growing threat underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. In recent years, the combinatorial use of antibacterial agents has emerged as a promising approach to enhance efficacy and combat resistant bacteria. This review first provides an overview of antibacterial classifications and their mechanisms of action against bacterial infections. It then explores two combined treatment strategies: antibacterial-antibacterial combinations and antibacterial-non-antibacterial pairings, alongside a drug delivery technology: antibacterial-loaded liposomes. Furthermore, we highlight emerging frontiers in antimicrobial strategies, including CRISPR-Cas technologies, AI-driven discovery platforms, nanomaterials beyond liposomes, microbiota-based therapies, and immunotherapeutic approaches. Finally, we offer a forward-looking perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of antibacterial development in the biomedical field.