A novel antimicrobial strategy for bacterial infections: Gallium-based materials

Bacterial infections remain a significant challenge in clinical medicine, and pervasive bacterial contamination addressed is based on the rational use of biomedical antibacterial materials in the clinic. While antibiotics have been instrumental in mitigating the threat of bacterial infections, the overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, thus, there is an urgent need to explore alternative antimicrobial strategies. Gallium (Ga)-based materials hold tremendous potential due to their exceptional antimicrobial properties, which combine physical and chemical sterilization. Herein, we review the main antimicrobial mechanisms of Ga-based materials, including Fe metabolism inhibition, reactive oxygen species induced generation, and physical disruption. Additionally, we summarize the various functional applications of Ga-based antimicrobial materials. Finally, we present the future challenge and development of Ga-based antimicrobial materials.