Scheme 1
Metal NC-based nanoantibiotics for combating bacterial infections. Outer layer: six mechanisms of action of metal NCs on bacteria, including cell wall and membrane disruption, release of metal ion, generation of ROS, damage to intracellular components, damage to intracellular components, delivery of therapeutic agents, and photoactivated mechanisms. Inner layer: physiochemical factors affecting the antibacterial behavior of metal NCs, including size, composition, surface chemistry, assembly and synergistic effects with other antibacterial materials