Conjugates and nano-delivery of antimicrobial peptides for enhancing therapeutic activity

The current global crisis of antibiotic drug resistance is driving the search for novel treatment approaches. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small molecular weight proteins with varying number of amino acids found in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. They have recently been targeted as novel antimicrobial agents with the potential to treat multiple-drug resistant infections. Their conjugation with various classes of materials such as antibiotics, polymers, DNA, salts, phenolic derivatives and their delivery via nano carrier systems are strategies being used to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. An update and understanding of their applicability as conjugates and nano delivery are essential to optimise their development and activity. This review focuses on computational studies depicting their permeation through model membranes and identification of physicochemical descriptors for activity. It also highlights the potential of AMPs and their conjugates and encapsulation into nano delivery systems for improving activity. Further, research to realise their potential as conjugates and delivery via nano carrier systems are also identified. To our knowledge, this current review presents the first account that comprehensively highlights AMPs targeting various microorganisms, and their conjugation to different compounds to showcase the potential for nano delivery alone or in their respective conjugates for enhanced activity.