Antimicrobial Peptides and Macromolecules for Combating Microbial Infections: From Agents to Interfaces

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Microbiology
• Materials Science and Engineering

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections pose a global health crisis.
• Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show potent bactericidal activity with low resistance induction potential.
• Research is actively seeking novel antimicrobial strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically classify the diverse action modes of AMPs.
• To review the structural optimization of cationic antimicrobial agents for tunable properties.
• To highlight the applications of AMPs in biointerfaces, including surface coatings and wound dressings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic classification of AMP action modes into 15 types and three categories.
• Review of natural AMPs, cationic polypeptides, synthetic polymers, and biopolymers.
• Emphasis on applications in contact-active surface coatings and multifunctional wound dressings.

Main Results:

• AMPs exhibit distinct antimicrobial mechanisms, categorized as membrane-destructive, non-destructive membrane disturbance, and intracellular targeting.
• Structural modifications of cationic agents allow for tunable antimicrobial properties.
• AMPs are effective in biointerface applications like surface coatings and wound dressings.

Conclusions:

• Cationic antimicrobial agents, particularly AMPs, represent a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics.
• Further development and clinical translation of AMPs are crucial for addressing antimicrobial resistance.
• Challenges in translating AMP-based materials to clinical practice need to be addressed.