Self-assembled nanostructured antimicrobial peptides: design strategies, structures, mechanism and therapeutic applications

Bacterial infections pose a global threat. Self-assembling antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) demonstrate remarkable biocompatibility, antibacterial efficacy, resistance to drug resistance, and stability in combating infections due to their unique non-specific membrane disruption mechanism. The latest advancements in molecular design, optimization strategies, and nanotechnology have paved the way for their clinical applications. This review provides an in-depth introduction to self-assembling antimicrobial peptides. It systematically analyzes and summarizes the latest progress in three key areas: the basic principles and functional characteristics of self-assembling antimicrobial peptides, their combination strategies, and nanostructures. Additionally, it explores their practical applications in various animal models of bacterial infections, addressing the challenges posed by drug-resistant bacteria. Finally, it assesses the opportunities and challenges currently faced by antimicrobial peptide self-assembly, providing valuable insights for future biological and nanomedicine research.