Interfacial engineering strategies in bio-heterojunctions for antibacterial therapeutics and biomedical applications

Bio-heterojunctions, as an emerging class of functional materials, have demonstrated significant potential in antibacterial applications owing to their unique interfacial effects. The heterojunction interface plays a critical role in generating synergistic behaviors and enhancing antibacterial efficacy. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances in the rational design and construction of bio-heterojunctions, with particular focus on structural engineering strategies aimed at improving their antibacterial performance. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth exploration of the underlying bactericidal mechanisms, including bacterial membrane disruption, modulation of microbial electron transfer processes, and promotion of bactericidal substance formation under external stimuli. We also discuss and summarize the applications of bio-heterojunctions in advanced antibacterial treatment modalities, along with the latest research progress in addressing common bacterial infectious diseases. Finally, this review offers perspectives on the future development of bio-heterojunction-based antibacterial therapy. We propose that a multidisciplinary approach combined with machine learning can be leveraged to predict structure-activity relationships, thereby facilitating high-throughput screening and the discovery of highly efficient and stable catalytic systems. These research efforts are expected to accelerate the development of next-generation bio-heterojunctions and advance the field of antibacterial nanomedicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Bio-heterojunctions signify a transformative advancement in antibacterial therapy by introducing an innovative platform to address the challenges of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Through the strategic integration of distinct nanomaterials, these heterostructures exploit synergistic effects-such as enhanced charge separation, robust reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and effective bacterial membrane disruption-to significantly improve antibacterial performance. Their multifunctional nature enables the combination of photothermal, photodynamic, and chemodynamic therapeutic modalities, allowing for highly targeted and efficient bacterial eradication while presenting a compelling alternative to conventional antibiotics. As a result, bio-heterojunctions possess substantial potential to reshape antibacterial strategies, particularly in managing recalcitrant infections and mitigating the development of further antimicrobial resistance.