Novel Formulations for Antimicrobial Peptides

• Main Authors: Ana Maria Carmona-Ribeiro, Letícia Dias de Melo Carrasco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2014-10-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: bilayer disks or fragments; liposomes; nanoparticles; biocompatible polymers; peptide covalent modification; biopolymers
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/15/10/18040

Peptides in general hold much promise as a major ingredient in novel supramolecular assemblies. They may become essential in vaccine design, antimicrobial chemotherapy, cancer immunotherapy, food preservation, organs transplants, design of novel materials for dentistry, formulations against diabetes and other important strategical applications. This review discusses how novel formulations may improve the therapeutic index of antimicrobial peptides by protecting their activity and improving their bioavailability. The diversity of novel formulations using lipids, liposomes, nanoparticles, polymers, micelles, etc., within the limits of nanotechnology may also provide novel applications going beyond antimicrobial chemotherapy.