Efficacy Of Antimicrobial Peptides Research Articles

Efficacy of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against Escherichia coli and bacteria morphology change after AMP exposure

In recent years, bacterial drug resistance has become a major health concern worldwide owing to the limited efficacy of some traditional antibiotics after long-term usage. Here, to search for potent bacteriostatic agents, six cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were investigated. L-GL13K, D-GL13K, MSI-594, indolicidin, Ib-M6 and nisinA-S29A were selected to study their bactericidal efficiency and the antibacterial mechanisms against Escherichia coli (E. coli). In addition to half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations using the standard method, the initial bacterial growth profiles at 4 h of AMP exposure were used to study the possible antibacterial mechanisms. The AMP-treated E. coli exhibited collapsed cell walls and various nanosized and microsized pores on the bacterial surface, which led to transmembrane channels and pore formation. Among the studied peptides, MSI-594, D-GL13K, and L-GL13K (in decreasing order) were identified as superior bactericidal agents, which may be attributed to the suitable conformational structure and surface charge during the interaction between these AMPs and bacteria.

The Preservative Efficacy of Antimicrobial Proteins and Metabolites from Microorganisms, Animals and Plants as Potential Alternative to Chemical Food Preservation: A Review

Food is a source of nutrients and energy for humans and animals. Though food is assumed to be safe for consumption, it is highly susceptible for microbial contamination responsible for health risks and economic loss. This requires the mechanism that keep food fresh and safe for extended period of time. So far, in human history various physical and chemical methods have been employed to extend shelf life. Unfortunately, these methods are found to have a lot of drawbacks that pose problem on the quality and safety of the product beyond consumer need. Biological preservation using microbial, plant and animal derived metabolites and antimicrobial peptides has recently got considerable attention as the safest way of extending shelf life of food with no adverse effects on product quality. The antimicrobial efficiency of antimicrobial peptides and metabolites have been found to significantly inhibit the growth of potent food borne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. However, the efficacy of biological antimicrobial agents for food preservation is potentiated by combined application with fewer chemical preservatives with smart formulation of a series of hurdle called hurdle technology. In this review, reports on the efficacy of antimicrobial peptides and metabolites of microbes, plants and animals in preserving various food stuffs are well reviewed during independent application and as part of hurdle system. Keywords: Biological preservation, Food, Food quality, Hurdle technology, Microbial/plant/animal metabolites DOI : 10.7176/FSQM/87-05 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Safety and efficacy of antimicrobial peptides against naturally acquired leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniases, which are important causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and dogs, are extremely difficult to treat. Antimicrobial peptides are rarely used as alternative treatments for naturally acquired parasitic diseases. Here we report that the acylated synthetic antimicrobial peptide Oct-CA(1-7)M(2-9) is safe and effective for treating naturally acquired canine leishmaniasis.