In this era, the wave of technology is sweeping at an unprecedented rate, profoundly changing all aspects of our lives. Among them, technological breakthroughs in the field of antibacteria are particularly striking, and a silent but far-reaching antibacterial revolution is reshaping our living environment and safeguarding the health and well-being of humankind. Nanotechnologies, as a pearl of modern technology, play a pioneering role in anti-bacterial battles. The unique nature of nanomaterials gives them super-inactivative antibacterial activity. In the case of nanosilver, the particle size is small enough to penetrate the cytowall of bacteria, like a precision nano-missile, to strike at the vitals within the bacteria — proteins and DNA — and thus effectively destroy the normal biological function of bacteria and prevent their growth and reproduction. Today, nanosilver is widely integrated into our daily lives.
In the medical field, the medical devices of nano-silver coatings, such as surgical instruments and implants, have significantly reduced the risk of post-operative infections and have provided greater protection for the rehabilitation of patients; in the textile industry, the clothing, bedding and so on, not only keep clothes fresh and less alienated, but also continue to resist bacteria, making our clothes healthier and comfortable, as if they were a invisible “anti-bacterial armour” for our bodies.
The development and application of new antibacterial materials is also an important indicator of the new age of antibacteria. Traditional antibiotics, which had been a work in antibacterial history, had led to a growing problem of bacterial resistance as a result of long-term abuse, as had the rise of “superbacterials”, which posed a new and huge threat to human health. In this context, new antibacterial materials such as antibacterium, graphite, etc. are produced. Antibacterium is a naturally occurring antibacterial weapon in nature’s organisms, with a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity, capable of rapidly launching attacks on a wide range of bacteria, fungi and viruses, and of extremely low toxicity to human normal cells, such as “smart antibacterial bodyguards”, which precisely identifies and eliminates harmful bacteria. graphite, this magical two-dimensional material, displays excellent antibacterial properties with its unique physical structure and chemical properties. It can break the bacterial membranes for fungicide purposes through physical cutting and oxidizing stress. These new antibacterial materials present a wide range of applications in a variety of areas, such as surface treatment of household goods, public facilities, electronics, etc., to create a sustainable low- and even sterile living and working environment. The dynamic development of smart disinfection equipment makes antibacterials more intelligent, efficient and ubiquitous. Ultraviolet disinfection robots are visible in public places such as hospitals, schools, malls, etc. Like the tireless “sterilizers”, they use a sophisticated navigation system and a sensitive sensor to travel autonomously across regions, emit strong ultraviolet light and conduct a full-dimensional, non-mortemicidal enzyme of the surrounding environment. Smart air cleaners are no longer limited to filtering dust and particulates, carrying advanced ultraviolet bacterium lamps or high-efficiency antibacterial filters that allow real-time monitoring of indoor air quality. Once bacteria or viruses have been detected, they automatically initiate decontamination procedures, “deep cleaning” of every air we breathe, as if an invisible “airwall” had been built inside.
The new age of resistance led by technology has undoubtedly brought about unprecedented positive changes in the environment in which we live. However, we must also be conscious that technology is not an all-embracing antibacterial “magic stick”. While enjoying the antibacterial benefits of science and technology, we must not lose sight of integrated sanitation governance and the development of good hygiene practices for individuals. For example, the maintenance of clean sanitation in the residential environment, regular ventilation, and a rational diet to enhance their own immunity, traditional anti-bacterial means remain important building blocks for a healthy living environment. Only through the perfect integration of advanced technology and science ‘ s way of life will we truly be able to build a healthy line of defence in a new era of anti-bacterialism, to enjoy the beauty and comfort that technology brings to life, to make our living environment a healthy harbour, free from the scourge of bacteria and disease.
