Bacterial infection continues to be one of the biggest threats to human health. The therapeutic effect is significantly reduced as a result of the development of super-bacteria-resistant bacteria due to the overuse of antibiotics for conventional antimicrobial treatment. The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria makes it necessary to develop new antimicrobial treatments. Following the successful application of photothermal therapy in the field of oncology treatment, more and more researchers are applying it to antimicrobial treatments and achieving important results, especially in the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections. As a non-invasive anti-infection method, photothermal therapy has the advantages of broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, a short treatment period, and low systemic impact. In the PTT, the antimicrobial efficacy strongly depends on the different laser properties and the choice of photothermal agents (PTAs). The purpose of this review is to discuss the most recent developments in photothermal nanomaterials that are antibacterial. We will delve into the antimicrobial principles and antimicrobial spectrum of different PTAs and provide a summary of current developments in synthesis, classification, structural features, physicochemical properties, and antibacterial performance research. The challenges and future prospects of enhanced antimicrobial performance and reduced cytotoxicity of PTAs are investigated.
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