Role of antimicrobial peptide-based biomaterials in respiratory tract infections control

In experimental models, such as those of bacterial pneumonia and tuberculosis, AMP-containing systems promote bacterial clearance and reduce inflammatory responses more effectively compared to free AMPs. The use of AMP-containing biomaterials for treating infections offers several benefits over traditional antibiotics. Isolated AMPs are less likely to develop resistance due to their multiple mechanisms of action. Additionally, AMPs kill pathogens quickly and are likely more effective when combined with the body's defense systems. Commonly used antibiotics often lead to the development of resistant bacterial strains and typically target only a limited range of Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria. Families of AMPs may exhibit broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but with limited or no cytotoxicity at therapeutic concentrations. Challenges with AMP therapies include production costs, potential immunogenicity, and instability; however, some of these issues could be addressed through encapsulation in biomaterials. Future directions would involve optimizing hybrid therapies that combine AMPs with antibiotics or nanomaterials for individualized treatment of RTIs. Currently, AMP-based biomaterials offer new solutions to address the challenging problem of multidrug-resistant infections that still rely on earlier drug regimens, as well as to enhance clinical outcomes. AMPs may be more effective when incorporated into biomaterials designed to facilitate delivery, enhance efficacy, and/or maintain activity. This review provides an overview of the use of AMP-based biomaterials to control RTIs, focusing on their mechanisms of action, applications, and potential benefits. Antimicrobial peptides target bacterial membranes, prevent biofilm formation, and can modulate host immune response, demonstrating effectiveness against common RTI pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, biomaterial platforms can facilitate controlled release, improved stability, and targeted administration to the respiratory mucosa, thereby overcoming rapid clearance and enzymatic degradation.