Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Production and Visualization of Bacterial Spheroplasts and Protoplasts to Characterize Antimicrobial Peptide Localization
Published on: August 11, 2018
Effect of minimal structural modifications on the membrane interaction of short antimicrobial peptides: An
Lucia Ferrazzano1, Francesca Bonvicini2, Saha Satvati3
1P4i Lab - Peptidomimetics and Peptides Targeting Protein-Protein Interaction, Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via P. Gobetti 85, Bologna, 40129, Italy.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance demands innovative strategies to tackle bacterial infections. This study reports the synthesis of short antimicrobial peptides with minimal structural modifications, aiming at enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity. Thus, sixteen derivatives were synthesized via solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and their antibacterial, cytotoxic, and hemolytic activities were evaluated. Most compounds effectively inhibited the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, including both commercial and clinically isolated bacterial strains. Structural modifications, including halogens or bulky alkylic substitutions and amino acid replacement, improved membrane interactions and activity. Molecular dynamics simulations highlighted the role of amphipathic configurations and π-π interactions in facilitating bacterial membrane penetration. Results underline the potential of newly synthesized derivatives as promising candidates against drug-resistant bacteria.
Related Concept Videos
Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis
Biosynthesis of Lipids
Plasma Membrane in Bacteria and Archaea
Membrane Fluidity

