Employing Copper-Based Nanomaterials to Combat Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria

The rise of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria poses a severe global threat to public health, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to overcome these challenges. Copper-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising agents due to their intrinsic antibacterial properties,...

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Main Authors: Yujie Zhai, Zhuxiao Liang, Xijun Liu, Weiqing Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Microorganisms
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/4/708
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author Yujie Zhai
Zhuxiao Liang
Xijun Liu
Weiqing Zhang
author_facet Yujie Zhai
Zhuxiao Liang
Xijun Liu
Weiqing Zhang
author_sort Yujie Zhai
collection DOAJ
description The rise of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria poses a severe global threat to public health, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to overcome these challenges. Copper-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising agents due to their intrinsic antibacterial properties, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability for multifunctional therapeutic approaches. These materials exhibit exceptional potential in advanced antibacterial therapies, including chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Their unique physicochemical properties, such as controlled ion release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and tunable catalytic activity, enable them to target MDR bacteria effectively while minimizing off-target effects. This paper systematically reviews the mechanisms through which Cu-based nanomaterials enhance antibacterial efficiency and emphasizes their specific performance in the antibacterial field. Key factors influencing their antibacterial properties—such as electronic interactions, photothermal characteristics, size effects, ligand effects, single-atom doping, and geometric configurations—are analyzed in depth. By uncovering the potential of copper-based nanomaterials, this work aims to inspire innovative approaches that improve patient outcomes, reduce the burden of bacterial infections, and enhance global public health initiatives.
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issn 2076-2607
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publisher MDPI AG
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series Microorganisms
spelling doaj-art-05677e1fb06e494085fc38869b79ab5c2025-08-20T02:28:38ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072025-03-0113470810.3390/microorganisms13040708Employing Copper-Based Nanomaterials to Combat Multi-Drug-Resistant BacteriaYujie Zhai0Zhuxiao Liang1Xijun Liu2Weiqing Zhang3State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-Cycle Safety for Composite Structures, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, ChinaDepartment of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-Cycle Safety for Composite Structures, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, ChinaDepartment of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, ChinaThe rise of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria poses a severe global threat to public health, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to overcome these challenges. Copper-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising agents due to their intrinsic antibacterial properties, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability for multifunctional therapeutic approaches. These materials exhibit exceptional potential in advanced antibacterial therapies, including chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Their unique physicochemical properties, such as controlled ion release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and tunable catalytic activity, enable them to target MDR bacteria effectively while minimizing off-target effects. This paper systematically reviews the mechanisms through which Cu-based nanomaterials enhance antibacterial efficiency and emphasizes their specific performance in the antibacterial field. Key factors influencing their antibacterial properties—such as electronic interactions, photothermal characteristics, size effects, ligand effects, single-atom doping, and geometric configurations—are analyzed in depth. By uncovering the potential of copper-based nanomaterials, this work aims to inspire innovative approaches that improve patient outcomes, reduce the burden of bacterial infections, and enhance global public health initiatives.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/4/708drug-resistant bacteriaantibacterial mechanismCu-based nanomaterials
spellingShingle Yujie Zhai
Zhuxiao Liang
Xijun Liu
Weiqing Zhang
Employing Copper-Based Nanomaterials to Combat Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Microorganisms
drug-resistant bacteria
antibacterial mechanism
Cu-based nanomaterials
title Employing Copper-Based Nanomaterials to Combat Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria
title_full Employing Copper-Based Nanomaterials to Combat Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria
title_fullStr Employing Copper-Based Nanomaterials to Combat Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria
title_full_unstemmed Employing Copper-Based Nanomaterials to Combat Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria
title_short Employing Copper-Based Nanomaterials to Combat Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria
title_sort employing copper based nanomaterials to combat multi drug resistant bacteria
topic drug-resistant bacteria
antibacterial mechanism
Cu-based nanomaterials
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/4/708
work_keys_str_mv AT yujiezhai employingcopperbasednanomaterialstocombatmultidrugresistantbacteria
AT zhuxiaoliang employingcopperbasednanomaterialstocombatmultidrugresistantbacteria
AT xijunliu employingcopperbasednanomaterialstocombatmultidrugresistantbacteria
AT weiqingzhang employingcopperbasednanomaterialstocombatmultidrugresistantbacteria