Engineering Biocompatible Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Advanced Antibacterial Therapy

The rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance has rendered many conventional antibiotics ineffective, complicating the management of bacterial infections and leading to severe community- and hospital-acquired diseases. This growing resistance crisis poses a major threat to global public health and the stability of healthcare systems. Metal-based nanoparticles have recently gained significant attention as alternative antibacterial agents because of their broad-spectrum activity and low likelihood of inducing bacterial resistance. However, their clinical translation remains limited by nonspecific cytotoxicity and poor biocompatibility, which can adversely affect mammalian cells. To overcome these challenges, recent research has focused on engineering strategies that enhance the biocompatibility of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) without compromising their antibacterial efficacy. This review summarizes the latest advances in the rational design, surface modification, and functionalization of biocompatible metal-based nanoplatforms for infection treatment. Themechanisms of antibacterial action, approaches to minimize off-target toxicity, and potential clinical application. Together, these insights highlight the promise of engineered MNPs as next-generation antibacterial therapeutics capable of addressing the escalating threat of multidrug-resistant infections.