Antimicrobial peptides: Source, application and recent developments

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) belong to a group of biomolecules found in various life forms and form an important part of their defense mechanisms. They are effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other parasites and have been categorized into different classes based on their structure and mode of action. Given the current global threat of increasing microbial resistance towards the diverse range of antibiotics, these AMPs represent an alternative approach to treating various infectious diseases and other bodily disorders. Their host specificity and biocompatibility with negligible resistance to various pathogens make them a much-researched substance in modern medical sciences. From screening of various natural resources to in silico design of novel AMPs, numerous AMPs have been discovered, some of which are used for commercial applications. In addition, specialized databases have been established to maintain information on these AMPs, and their fusion with other innovations, such as nanotechnology, has been accomplished. AMPs are also used in the food industry for packaging, and their application in other areas can be further explored and optimized for therapeutic purposes.