Plant extract-based antibacterial nanomaterials: progress and challenges

The escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance presents a serious challenge to healthcare systems globally. To combat the spread of infectious pathogens, researchers have advanced the development of novel antimicrobial materials. Among these, nanomaterials derived from plant extracts have attracted extensive attention for their potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects and reduced potential to induce resistance. This review summarizes recent innovations in the fabrication of such nanomaterials, focusing on two primary strategies: the encapsulation of phytochemicals within diverse nanocarriers and the utilization of plant-derived compounds as structural or functional building blocks combined with other antimicrobial agents, biomolecules, or inorganic substances. These materials demonstrate significant potential across diverse antibacterial applications, particularly in accelerating wound closure, enhancing bone regeneration, and improving oral health outcomes. The emergence of engineered nanoscale systems derived from plant extracts offers a novel and effective therapeutic approach. They hold significant potential to address the global challenge of drug-resistant infections and to interrupt the chain of microbial transmission.