Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being used as an alternative to antibiotics for targeting bacteria, offering potential advantages in treating bacterial infections. NPs can be utilized in various applications, such as antibacterial coatings for implantable devices, antibiotic delivery systems, bacterial detection systems, and antibacterial vaccines. The antibacterial mechanisms of NPs include oxidative stress induction, metal ion release, and non-oxidative mechanisms. These mechanisms often act simultaneously, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance. The review discusses the antibacterial mechanisms of NPs, the factors involved, and the limitations of current research. It highlights the potential of NPs in combating bacterial resistance and their applications in various fields, including implantable devices, wound dressings, bone cement, and dental materials. The antibacterial mechanisms of NPs, such as oxidative stress, metal ion release, and non-oxidative mechanisms, are also explored in detail. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding these mechanisms to develop more effective antimicrobial materials.Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being used as an alternative to antibiotics for targeting bacteria, offering potential advantages in treating bacterial infections. NPs can be utilized in various applications, such as antibacterial coatings for implantable devices, antibiotic delivery systems, bacterial detection systems, and antibacterial vaccines. The antibacterial mechanisms of NPs include oxidative stress induction, metal ion release, and non-oxidative mechanisms. These mechanisms often act simultaneously, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance. The review discusses the antibacterial mechanisms of NPs, the factors involved, and the limitations of current research. It highlights the potential of NPs in combating bacterial resistance and their applications in various fields, including implantable devices, wound dressings, bone cement, and dental materials. The antibacterial mechanisms of NPs, such as oxidative stress, metal ion release, and non-oxidative mechanisms, are also explored in detail. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding these mechanisms to develop more effective antimicrobial materials.