ScholarWorks@중앙대학교

초록

Gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu)/copper oxide (CuO), palladium (Pd), and zinc oxide (ZnO) are core platforms for photothermal therapy (PTT), utilizing localized surface plasmon resonance induced by near-infrared (NIR) light. These systems exhibit multi-layered antimicrobial effects by generating heat, reactive oxygen species, and metal ions. In this review, we comprehensively examine the mechanisms of metal nanoparticle-based PTT, surface modification strategies to enhance biocompatibility, and synergistic strategies that combine PTT with antibiotics, metal ion release, or photodynamic therapy. Recent studies demonstrated excellent antimicrobial efficiency in ex vivo biofilm and in vivo wound infection models. However, technical and regulatory challenges limit clinical translation, including regulatory requirements, limited tissue penetration of NIR-I (650–900 nm), and low targeting specificity. Emerging strategies to overcome these issues include multifunctional nanoplatforms integrating drug delivery and immune modulation, photothermal agents with superior tissue penetration depth, active targeting strategies, and mild PTT. These advances may provide an innovative solution to the global crisis of antibiotic resistance by enabling a multilayered physical eradication mechanism. Simultaneously, they may contribute to the establishment of a new medical paradigm encompassing nanomedicine safety assessment and personalized treatment.

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