Smart‐Responsive Antibacterial Fibers: Mechanisms, Fabrication, and Biomedical Applications

H Hanpeng Liu (School of Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Engineering Research Center of Optoelectronic Devices and Communication Technology, Tianjin University of Technology 1 , Tianjin 300384,) C Chaofeng Wang C Congyang Mao Y Yuan Li C Cuihong Chen (Biomedical Materials Engineering Research Center Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Ministry‐of‐Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials School of Materials Science & Engineering State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering Hubei University Wuhan China) X Xiangmei Liu H Hui Jiang (Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences) Y Yanqin Liang (School of Materials Science & Engineering the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China Tianjin University Tianjin China) Z Zhonghui Gao (School of Materials Science & Engineering the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China Tianjin University Tianjin China) W Wence Xu (School of Materials Science & Engineering the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China Tianjin University Tianjin China) D Ding Xu Z Zhenduo Cui (School of Materials Science & Engineering the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China Tianjin University Tianjin China) Z Zhaoyang Li S Shengli Zhu (School of Materials Science & Engineering the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China Tianjin University Tianjin China) S Shuilin Wu

Abstract

ABSTRACT The escalating prevalence of multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections presents a grave global health challenge, highlighting the limitations of traditional antibacterial materials that rely on passive release mechanisms. This paper comprehensively reviews the emerging frontier of stimuli‐responsive smart antibacterial fibers (SAFs), which embody a paradigm shift towards on‐demand and targeted proactive antimicrobial functionality. Based on response mechanisms, the specific stimuli sensed by SAFs are classified as endogenous infection microenvironments (i.e., pH, dysregulated enzyme activity, and redox potential, etc.) and exogenous physical activation (i.e., light, ultrasound, mechanical force, and magnetic, etc.). Furthermore, this review systematically expounds on the fundamental design principles of SAFs (how to achieve “smartness”), antibacterial mechanisms (how to achieve “antibacterial activity”), and innovative applications in various fields. Subsequently, current challenges are thoroughly discussed, and promising future research directions are outlined. Crucially, artificial intelligence is highlighted as a pivotal enabler for integrating multifunctionality, biomimetic design paradigms, and embedded sensing capabilities, thereby facilitating seamless interoperability with digital health platforms. This review aims to establish a foundational framework inspiring innovation in developing next‐generation antibacterial fibers with superior therapeutic precision and functional sophistication.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 1, Issue 1
Published August 21, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (15)

H

Hanpeng Liu

School of Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Engineering Research Center of Optoelectronic Devices and Communication Technology, Tianjin University of Technology 1 , Tianjin 300384,

C

Chaofeng Wang

C

Congyang Mao

Y

Yuan Li

C

Cuihong Chen

Biomedical Materials Engineering Research Center Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Ministry‐of‐Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials School of Materials Science & Engineering State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering Hubei University Wuhan China

X

Xiangmei Liu

H

Hui Jiang

Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences

Y

Yanqin Liang

School of Materials Science & Engineering the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China Tianjin University Tianjin China

Z

Zhonghui Gao

School of Materials Science & Engineering the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China Tianjin University Tianjin China

W

Wence Xu

School of Materials Science & Engineering the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China Tianjin University Tianjin China

D

Ding Xu

Z

Zhenduo Cui

School of Materials Science & Engineering the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China Tianjin University Tianjin China

Z

Zhaoyang Li

S

Shengli Zhu

School of Materials Science & Engineering the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China Tianjin University Tianjin China

S

Shuilin Wu