Abstract: Aquatic products, a vital global source of high-quality protein, require stringent microbial contamination control throughout the production and distribution process to ensure food safety and quality. Conventional methods relying on broad-spectrum antibiotics and chemical disinfectant often lead to issues such as residues, antimicrobial resistance, and ecological imbalance. In contrast, targeted antibacterial technologies offer a novel paradigm for efficient, precise, and environmentally friendly microbial control by specifically interfering with key biological processes of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. This review systematically examines four cutting-edge targeted strategies applied in the aquatic product industry chain: phage therapy based on the “lock-and-key” recognition mechanism, membrane-active compounds such as antimicrobial peptides that disrupt membrane integrity, photodynamic inactivation mediated by photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species, and intelligent nano-delivery systems enabling precise targeting and controlled release. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms of action, application efficacy, and limitations of these technologies across the aquaculture, processing, preservation, storage, and transportation stages, while discussing common challenges such as narrow host range, food matrix interference, large-scale production, and safety assessment. Looking forward, the review emphasizes that breakthroughs in this field will depend on multi-technology integration, the development of intelligent response systems, the incorporation of ecological regulation concepts, and holistic supply-chain management. These advancements are expected to facilitate the transition of targeted antibacterial technologies from laboratory research to large-scale application, thereby providing core technological support for building a green and sustainable safety assurance system for aquatic products.

Key words: targeted antibacterials; aquatic products; food safety; microbial control; entire industrial chain