Construction of nanomaterials with targeting phototherapy properties to inhibit resistant bacteria and biofilm infections

•The spread of resistant bacteria and the development bacterial biofilm have been two major challenges.•Biofilm infections are notoriously difficult to treat, as the matrix provides physical protection.•Phototherapy including photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy has attracted wide attentions.•This review describes the latest phototherapy strategies to resist resistant bacteria and biofilms infections.