Antimicrobial Peptide-Based Nanomaterials in Combating Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

The escalated increase in morbidity and mortality in the recent era has resulted due to the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among microorganisms. There could be more than the predicted deaths resulting due to cancer as reported by the United Nations Environment Program, which estimates ten million annual deaths from AMR by 2050. Thus, there is a dire need to develop new antimicrobial agents and strategies to address such a pressing issue. Naturally obtained small multifunctional supramolecular peptides and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in all living organisms as an innate immune system. Therefore, to combat AMR, a multimodal target is a prerequisite. Such AMP-based nanomaterials would not only have an antimicrobial activity but would also have the potential to reinvigorate old drugs. In this chapter, we will emphasize the overview of the importance and progress of AMPs, the mechanism of action of AMPs, the technique of designing AMP-based nanomaterials, and the application and classification of such AMPs. A brief discussion has also been provided on the challenges of developing AMP-based nanomaterials and strategies to overcome them. Finally, the chapter summarizes future prospects and major potentials in harnessing antimicrobial activities via AMP-based nanomaterials.