Antimicrobial Peptides, An Alternative Antimicrobial Agent Against Multi-drug-Resistant Microbes: Source, Application, and Potential

Pathogenic microorganisms are often associated with infectious diseases in humans, plants, or animals. Over the past 100 years, antibiotics have been often used to combat the infections caused by these pathogenic microorganisms. The frequent and overuse of antibiotics has led to the rapid emergence of multi-drug-resistant microorganisms. There has been a worldwide quest for a new antibacterial agent. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), produced naturally by bacteria, insects, amphibians, and mammals, have gained attention as an alternative antimicrobial agent against multi-drug resistant microbes. Contrary to conventional antibiotics, which typically work by targeting a specific high-affinity antimicrobial target and may lead to the development of resistance in microorganisms, AMPs exert various antimicrobial activities that may offer a strategy to stop bacterial resistance. In addition, AMPs have a wide range of applications as they are effective in eradicating microorganisms and are non-toxic or harmful to humans and the environment. This paper reviews the sources, application, and potential of AMPs against multi-drug-resistant microorganisms and their risks to humankind.