Designed Antimicrobial Peptides Against Trauma-Related Cutaneous Invasive Fungal Wound Infections.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Infectious Diseases
• Wound Care

Background:

• Cutaneous invasive fungal wound infections complicate care after blast injuries and disasters.
• These infections lead to high morbidity, including amputations and mortality.
• Current treatment requires broad-spectrum antimicrobials effective against fungi, bacteria, and biofilms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antifungal and antibacterial efficacy and mammalian cytotoxicity of novel designed antimicrobial peptides (dAMPs).
• To identify potent dAMPs for potential topical treatment of traumatic wound infections.

Main Methods:

• Seven innovative dAMPs were engineered through iterative structural revisions.
• Physicochemical and functional testing was performed to evaluate dAMPs' antimicrobial effects.
• Mammalian cytotoxicity was assessed following incubation.

Main Results:

• The dAMPs demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activity.
• They were also effective against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
• Three potent dAMPs (RP504, RP556, RP557) showed limited mammalian cytotoxicity after 8-hour incubation.

Conclusions:

• Novel dAMPs exhibit promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.
• These dAMPs could serve as a rapid, empiric topical treatment for traumatic wound infections.
• Further clinical translation may offer a new therapeutic option for high-risk patients.