Self-assembled amphiphilic peptide hydrogels for antimicrobial application

Abstract

Due to the widespread and excessive use of antibiotics, bacterial resistance has become an increasingly serious problem affecting public health. Amphiphilic peptide hydrogels have good biological and mechanical properties, and can be used as ideal substitutes for antibiotics in the fields of infection control and wound healing. This review systematically summarized the design principles, assembly mechanism, and the latest progress of amphiphilic peptide hydrogels. Based on the molecular structure and function of peptides, the antibacterial mechanism of amphiphilic peptide hydrogels is further elaborated. Finally, we provide a perspective for the future development of antibacterial applications of amphiphilic peptide hydrogels. It is hoped that this review can provide inspiration for the design of amphiphilic peptide hydrogels and promote their clinical transformation against bacterial infections.