Gallium Liquid Metal: Nanotoolbox for Antimicrobial Applications

The proliferation of drug resistance in microbial pathogensposesa significant threat to human health. Hence, treatment measures areessential to surmount this growing problem. In this context, liquidmetal nanoparticles are promising. Gallium, a post-transition metalnotable for being a liquid at physiological temperature, has drawnattention for its distinctive properties, high antimicrobial efficacy,and low toxicity. Moreover, gallium nanoparticles demonstrate anti-inflammatoryproperties in immune cells. Gallium can alloy with other metals andbe prepared in various composites to modify and tailor its characteristicsand functionality. More importantly, the bactericidal mechanism ofgallium liquid metal could sidestep the threat of emerging drug resistancemechanisms. Building on this rationale, gallium-based liquid metalnanoparticles can enable impactful and innovative strategic pathwaysin the battle against antimicrobial resistance. This review outlinesthe characteristics of gallium-based liquid metals at the nanoscaleand their corresponding antimicrobial mechanisms to provide a comprehensiveyet succinct overview of their current antimicrobial applications.In addition, challenges and opportunities that require further researchefforts have been identified and discussed.