Research Trends on Antimicrobial Peptides in Aquaculture: A Thematic and Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance has become a critical concern in aquaculture. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a class of small, natural or synthetic peptides that protect hosts from microbial infections, offer a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. To evaluate the current status and research trends of AMP in aquaculture, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of 1956 publications (from 1990 to 2024) retrieved from the Web of Science, using the Bibliometrix R package and CiteSpace. The results showed that the study of AMPs in aquaculture has entered a phase of rapid development since 2015, marked by exponential growth of publications. Chinese research institutions and scholars have played a leading role, contributing over one-third of all publications. However, their involvement in multicountry collaborations remains significantly lower than that of other countries, highlighting the need for enhanced international collaboration. Thematic evolution analysis based on keywords reveals a shift in research focus from gene cloning and antibacterial activities to mechanisms of action and practical applications. Overall, this bibliometric study offers a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, research hotspots, and future directions of AMP research in aquaculture, providing valuable insights for advancing the field.