Antibacterial Photothermal Materials: Mechanism, Classification, and Applications

Photothermal therapy (PTT) typically utilizes laser irradiation on photothermal materials (PTMs) to generate high temperatures for effectively eradicating bacteria. This non-invasive approach has garnered significant attention due to its deep tissue penetration, exceptional selectivity, and ability to combat drug-resistant bacterial strains. Recently, various inorganic (such as noble metals, transition metals, and carbon-based nanomaterials) and organic PTMs (such as small molecules, conjugated polymers, and semiconductor polymer nanoparticles) have been extensively developed. In addition, the integration of PTT with other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, photodynamic/photocatalytic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy is imperative for enhancing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse reactions. Undoubtedly, PTT has become of paramount importance in combating bacterial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. In this chapter, a brief introduction is provided on the antibacterial photothermal mechanism, various types of PTMs and their applications in antibacterial PTT, as well as the synergistic treatment methods based on PTT.