Nanomaterials based on phase change materials for antibacterial application

Bacterial infections seriously threaten human health. Although antibiotics can significantly treat infectious diseases, antibiotics abuse has brought a series of serious problems, such as multidrug-resistant bacteria, adverse effects, and so on. Therefore, it is indispensable to develop alternative therapies with superior efficacy and minor toxicity to enhance the anti-infective outcome, overcome drug resistance and reduce adverse effects. The phase change material (PCM) is a substance that changes its physical properties with elevated temperatures. Nanoparticles based on PCM have been widely used in biomedical research due to their excellent biocompatibility, sustained release, and outstanding targeting properties. In this manuscript, the applications of PCM-based nanoparticles in the treatment of bacterial infections were summarized. Firstly, the composition and biotoxicity of PCM nanocarriers were described. Secondly, various antibacterial strategies based on PCM nanoparticles for combination therapy were highlighted. Finally, the prospects for antibacterial therapy of PCM nanomaterials were summarized.