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Oligopeptides as molecular carriers in antimicrobial conjugates
Sławomir Milewski1, Wiktoria Wichrowska1, Maria J Milewska2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland.
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|October 27, 2025
Summary
Oligopeptides can act as molecular carriers to deliver antimicrobial drugs past cell membranes, overcoming drug resistance. This Trojan Horse strategy enhances drug efficacy against intracellular pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Drug Delivery
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Antimicrobial chemotherapy effectiveness is declining due to microbial resistance.
- Pathogen resistance is partly caused by difficulty in delivering drugs to intracellular targets across biological membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the use of oligopeptides as molecular carriers for antimicrobial agents.
- To develop novel antimicrobial conjugates using the Trojan Horse strategy to overcome resistance.
Main Methods:
- Critical literature review from 1970-2025, focusing on the last decade.
- Searched databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus.
- Analysis of oligopeptide cell penetration mechanisms (diffusion, endocytosis, active transport).
Main Results:
- Oligopeptides can be engineered as carriers for antimicrobial agents.
- Antimicrobial conjugates show potential to overcome microbial resistance.
- Enhanced antimicrobial potential and spectrum against intracellular pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Oligopeptide-based Trojan Horse strategy offers a promising approach to combat antimicrobial resistance.
- Cell-penetrating peptides and antimicrobial peptides can serve as effective molecular carriers.
- This strategy can enhance existing drugs and broaden their spectrum, particularly against intracellular pathogens.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial conjugatesbiological membranesintracellular infectionsmicrobial transport systemsoligopeptide drugsMore Related Videos
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