A comprehensive guide on screening and selection of a suitable AMP against biofilm-forming bacteria

Abstract

Lately, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing at an exponential rate making it important to search alternatives to antibiotics in order to combat multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Out of the several antibacterial and antibiofilm strategies being tested, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown to give better hopes in terms of a long-lasting solution to the problem. To select a desired AMP, it is important to make right use of available tools and databases that aid in identification, classification, and analysis of the physiochemical properties of AMPs. To identify the targets of these AMPs, it becomes crucial to understand their mode-of-action. AMPs can also be used in combination with other antibacterial and antibiofilm agents so as to achieve enhanced efficacy against bacteria and their biofilms. Due to concerns regarding toxicity, stability, and bioavailability, strategizing drug formulation at an early-stage becomes crucial. Although there are few concerns regarding development of bacterial resistance to AMPs, the evolution of resistance to AMPs occurs extremely slowly. This comprehensive review gives a deep insight into the selection of the right AMP, deciding the right target and combination strategy along with the type of formulation needed, and the possible resistance that bacteria can develop to these AMPs.

Keywords:

• Antimicrobial resistance
• antibiotics
• antimicrobial peptides
• antibacterial
• antibiofilm

Acknowledgements

Ananya Anurag Anand and Ayush Amod are thankful to MoE and ICMR, Govt. of India, for their fellowship. We are thankful to IIIT Allahabad for providing research facility.

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Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.