Biomedical Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides: Multifunctional Mechanisms, Engineering Strategies, and Therapeutic Development.

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small, multifunctional molecules generated by the innate immune systems of various organisms. AMPs possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and operate through mechanisms that target microbial membranes, cell walls, and intracellular processes. These peptides are viewed as promising solutions to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the various sources, structural characteristics, and primary antimicrobial mechanisms, which include disrupting microbial membranes and cell walls, interfering with intracellular metabolic processes, and modulating the immune response. It also explores possible mechanisms by which bacteria might develop resistance to these peptides. Building on this knowledge, the review highlights recent approaches to enhance AMP design, including the creation of self-assembling nanostructures, the use of combination therapies, and targeted modifications to improve stability and specificity. AMPs have wide-ranging potential applications in biomedical fields like drug delivery systems, wound dressings, and smart materials. Nonetheless, their clinical application faces obstacles such as limited stability, potential toxicity, and high manufacturing costs. With progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven design, nanotechnology, and synthetic biology, AMPs are expected to overcome these challenges and become vital components of future anti-infective treatments.