The role of antimicrobial peptides in overcoming antibiotic resistance

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a critical global health challenge, rendering many conventional treatments ineffective and escalating the threat of untreatable infections. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), naturally occurring molecules found in a wide range of organisms, present a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. AMPs exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and unique mechanisms of action, primarily targeting bacterial membranes, which significantly reduces the likelihood of resistance development. Beyond their direct bactericidal effects, AMPs can disrupt biofilms, enhance immune responses, and exhibit synergistic effects when combined with existing antibiotics. Despite their immense potential, challenges such as enzymatic degradation, cytotoxicity, and high production costs limit their clinical application. Recent advances in bioengineering and delivery systems have focused on overcoming these hurdles, enhancing AMPs stability, efficacy, and specificity. This review explores the role of AMPs in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, highlighting their mechanisms, advantages, challenges, and emerging innovations in their development and application. AMPs offer a beacon of hope in the fight against drug-resistant pathogens, potentially revolutionizing the future of antimicrobial therapy.