Research progress on the effect of metallic nanomaterials on the resistance of bacteria and its mechanism

LONG Lin; ZHU Lin; TANG Hui-ming; WANG Mei-zhen

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China Environmental Science ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (5) : 2857-2864.

Emerging Contaminants

Research progress on the effect of metallic nanomaterials on the resistance of bacteria and its mechanism

LONG Lin¹, ZHU Lin¹, TANG Hui-ming^1,2, WANG Mei-zhen^1,2

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Abstract

Antibiotic resistance was recognized as one of the most critical public health challenges confronted by humanity in the 21 st century. Metal nanomaterials were regarded as potent alternatives in the post-antibiotic era, attributed to their exceptional biocidal efficacy and tunable properties. However, it was demonstrated through recent studies that not only could resistance to nanomaterials themselves be developed by bacteria, but the physiological characteristics of bacteria could also be altered, consequently leading to enhanced antibiotic resistance. The antibiotic resistance variations induced by metal nanomaterials were systematically reviewed, with underlying mechanisms being elucidated through three key aspects: the interfacial interactions between nanomaterials and bacterial membranes, the occurrence of bacterial genomic mutations, and the horizontal transfer of resistance genes. This investigation was designed to establish a theoretical framework for innovating next-generation nano-antimicrobial agents, while simultaneously promoting the application of nanomaterials in combating antimicrobial resistance on a global scale.

Key words

antibiotic resistance / gene mutation / horizontal gene transfer / nanomaterials / reactive oxygen species

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LONG Lin, ZHU Lin, TANG Hui-ming, WANG Mei-zhen. Research progress on the effect of metallic nanomaterials on the resistance of bacteria and its mechanism[J]. China Environmental Science. 2025, 45(5): 2857-2864

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