The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has necessitated the development of innovative strategies beyond conventional antibiotics. Smart antibacterial agents—engineered systems capable of targeted, responsive, and selective antimicrobial action—have emerged as promising tools in modern infection control. These include nanomaterials, stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms, quorum sensing inhibitors, and gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas systems. This review explores the diverse mechanisms by which smart antibacterial agents combat bacterial pathogens, emphasizing their ability to enhance therapeutic precision while minimizing off-target effects. It also addresses the major challenges in clinical translation, including safety, scalability, and resistance development. Finally, the review outlines future directions, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and personalized medicine in advancing next-generation antibacterial therapies. Smart agents represent a paradigm shift in the management of bacterial infections, offering a versatile and adaptable approach to overcoming the limitations of traditional antibiotics.
