Abstract
Background: Nanoparticles exhibit unique properties such as wide surface area, diverse shapes, and antimicrobial activities. The urgent need for effective antimicrobial agents, particularly against multidrug-resistant strains, has led to extensive research on the antibacterial activities of nanoparticles.

Objective: This review explores the antibacterial properties of carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanofibers, as well as metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. Aimed to demonstrate the advances in nanoparticles antibacterial effects by inducing lipid peroxidation, disrupting cell membranes, and causing cytoplasmic leakage.

Method: We review articles published in reputable journals from 2022-2023 related to that antibacterial activity of carbon, metals and metal oxides. Emphasis was given to the antibacterial mechanisms involve the release of ions, leading to generation reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and cell disruption.

Results: Nanoparticles advances in photochemical sensing, photodynamic, fluorescent probes, gas probes using carbon dots, and surface functionalization. Other advances include Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) DNA sensors with fluorescence, electrochemical, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties, utilization of aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens), in fluorescent tracing of microorganisms and photothermal treatment, generating reactive oxygen and/or heat upon light irradiation. Azide-Vancomycin nanoparticle conjugate for detecting outer-membrane permeabilization of gram-negative bacteria are discussed. Functionalized Carbon Dots also exhibit antimicrobial properties through photothermal activation. The review highlights the potential of these advances in developing alternative antibiotics effective against resistant strains.

Conclusion: The comprehensive exploration of diverse nanoparticles and their antibacterial mechanisms provides valuable insights for the development of alternative antimicrobial agents in the face of increasing antibiotic resistance.