The rapid evolution and spread of multidrug resistance among bacterial pathogens has significantly outpaced the development of new antibiotics, underscoring the urgent need for alternative therapies. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy have emerged as promising treatments. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy relies on the interaction between light and a photosensitizer to produce reactive oxygen species, which are highly cytotoxic to microorganisms, leading to their destruction without fostering resistance. Antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy, a novel variation, substitutes ultrasound for light to activate the sonosensitizers, expanding the therapeutic reach. To increase the efficiency of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy, the combination of these two methods, known as antimicrobial photo-sonodynamic therapy, is currently being explored and considered a promising approach. Recent advances, particularly in the application of nanomaterials, have further enhanced the efficacy of these therapies. Nanosensitizers, due to their improved reactive oxygen species generation and targeted delivery, offer significant advantages in overcoming the limitations of conventional sensitizers. These breakthroughs provide new avenues for treating bacterial infections, especially multidrug-resistant strains and biofilm-associated infections. Continued research, including comprehensive clinical studies, is crucial to optimizing nanomaterial-based antimicrobial photo-sonodynamic therapy for clinical use, ensuring their effectiveness in real-world applications.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology   MeSH
• Bacteria drug effects   MeSH
• Bacterial Infections * drug therapy   microbiology   therapy   MeSH
• Biofilms drug effects   MeSH
• Photochemotherapy * methods   MeSH
• Photosensitizing Agents * pharmacology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Nanoparticles chemistry   MeSH
• Nanostructures chemistry   MeSH
• Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism   MeSH
• Ultrasonic Therapy MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH