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Advances in Bacteriophage-nanomaterial Synergistic Systems for Antimicrobial Applications against Multidrug-resistant Bacteria

WANG Ming-teng1, YOU Xiao-juan1, KONG Jun-ke1, LI Yong-wei1,2(), ZHANG Sha-sha3, WANG Qing-feng3()   

  1. 1.The Second Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450002
    2.Clinical Laboratory, Henan Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine; Henan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Control of Drug-Resistant Infections; Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Bacterial Drug Resistance, Zhengzhou 450053
    3.Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital of Henan Province (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Luoyang 471002
  • Received:2025-09-08 Online:2026-04-17 Published:2026-04-17
  • Contact: LI Yong-wei, WANG Qing-feng E-mail:lyw@hactcm.edu.cn;wangqf600@163.com

Abstract:

The continuous global spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria poses a serious threat to public health, while the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics continues to decline, underscoring the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies. Bacteriophages exert precise antibacterial activity by specifically recognizing and lysing host bacteria; however, their application is constrained by a narrow host range, limited in vivo stability, and immune clearance. Nanomaterials present broad-spectrum antibacterial effects through mechanisms such as membrane disruption and reactive oxygen species generation, but challenges remain regarding targeting efficiency and biocompatibility. Synergistic antibacterial systems constructed by integrating bacteriophages with nanomaterials can significantly enhance the suppression of drug-resistant bacterial infections. Focusing on the synergistic antibacterial effects of bacteriophages and nanomaterials, current studies have developed several representative combination strategies. Based on a systematic review of relevant research progress, this paper summarizes and compares the characteristics, application scenarios, and research limitations of different synergistic modes. Currently, the clinical translation of this strategy is still challenged by factors such as phage immunogenicity, biocompatibility of nanomaterials, consistency of large-scale preparation, and quality control. Future research should focus on the directed evolution and modification of bacteriophages, the development of biodegradable nanocarriers, and the establishment of standardized production workflows, thereby facilitating clinical translation and providing new avenues for the control of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

Key words: bacteriophage therapy, multidrug-resistant bacteria, nanomaterials, combined antimicrobial therapy