Species-Specific Antibacterial Materials: From Design to Application

Traditional broad-spectrum antibacterial strategies are known to contribute to the increase in drug-resistant microorganisms and the disruption of microbial ecological balance. To break this stalemate, researchers have begun to explore selective antibacterial strategies that minimize the impact on normal flora and maintain microbial ecological balance. Species-specific antibacterial materials, which can target particular bacterial species or even specific strains, offer innovative perspectives and methodologies for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. This review first explores the selective mechanisms that underpin species-specific antibacterial strategies, summarizes the main classifications of species-specific antibacterial strategies, investigates the engineering techniques employed in the development of such materials, and emphasizes the importance of structure-activity relationships in the design of species-specific antibacterial materials. It explores techniques like peptide modification, nanoparticle engineering, and genetic manipulation, highlighting that a thorough understanding of the structure and function of antibacterial materials is essential for improving their efficacy and specificity. Ultimately, it anticipates the potential applications of species-specific antibacterial materials in disease diagnosis and treatment, while addressing the challenges associated with clinical translation. It is expected that this comprehensive review will offer novel perspectives for the development of species-specific antibacterial materials.