Nanomedicines for the Delivery of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs)

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Teixeira, MC (Author) Other; Carbone, C (Author) Other; Sousa, MC (Author) Other; Espina, M (Author) Other; Garcia, ML (Author) Other; Sanchez Lopez, E (Author) Other; Souto, EB (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Nanomaterials

Vol. 10

Final page: 560

ISSN: 2079-4991

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 16 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-17P

DOI: 10.3390/nano10030560

Abstract (EN): Microbial infections are still among the major public health concerns since several yeasts and fungi, and other pathogenic microorganisms, are responsible for continuous growth of infections and drug resistance against bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance rate is fostering the need to develop new strategies against drug-resistant superbugs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptide-based molecules of 5-100 amino acids in length, with potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. They are part of the innate immune system, which can represent a minimal risk of resistance development. These characteristics contribute to the description of these molecules as promising new molecules in the development of new antimicrobial drugs. However, efforts in developing new medicines have not resulted in any decrease of drug resistance yet. Thus, a technological approach on improving existing drugs is gaining special interest. Nanomedicine provides easy access to innovative carriers, which ultimately enable the design and development of targeted delivery systems of the most efficient drugs with increased efficacy and reduced toxicity. Based on performance, successful experiments, and considerable market prospects, nanotechnology will undoubtedly lead a breakthrough in biomedical field also for infectious diseases, as there are several nanotechnological approaches that exhibit important roles in restoring antibiotic activity against resistant bacteria.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 23