Applications of nanomaterials as treatments and diagnostic biosensors in microbial infections

Microbial infection is a major medical problem that seriously threatens public health. The abuse of antibiotics that help evolve the emergence of new drug-resistance mechanisms has led to the wide-spread and fast expansion of drug-resistant bacteria, ultimately evolving into superbugs. This significantly impairs the timely and effective treatment of infections, thus threatening global human well-being. Not all are pessimistic. Nanomaterials have emerged as an innovative choice. Due to their unique physical and chemical properties, superior bactericidal effects, and high biocompatibility, nanomaterials may help eradicate drug-resistant bacteria to achieve complete remission of infectious diseases. As biological materials, nanomaterials can also improve the efficacy of existing drugs and treatments and even facilitate diagnostic efficiency. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize the antibacterial properties of different kinds of nanomaterials and their applications in other spheres related to treating infectious diseases (targeted therapy, phototherapy, vaccine development, and microbial diagnosis). We highlight the latest advances of nanomaterials in treating infectious diseases in different body systems. Finally, we conclude by discussing the weaknesses of currently available materials and unresolved scientific problems, which may provide insights into the development of approved agents that adequately overcome the notorious drug resistance and thereby provide unprecedented discoveries to improve treatments of the most severe bacterial infections.