Interplay between amphiphilic peptides and nanoparticles for selective membrane destabilization and antimicrobial effects

As a result of an increasing number of bacteria developing resistance against antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are attracting significant interest, particularly in relation to identification of peptides displaying potent but selective effects. Much less focus has been placed on delivery systems for AMPs, despite AMPs suffering from delivery challenges related to their size, cationicity, and amphiphilicity. Inorganic nanoparticles may provide opportunities for controlling peptide release, reducing infection-related AMP degradation, or increasing bioavailability. Numerous such nanomaterials display potent and triggerable antimicrobial effects on their own. When combined with AMPs, combinatorial and synergistic effects in relation to the behavior of such mixed systems as antimicrobials have been observed. The mechanistic origin of these effects are poorly understood that at present, however, precluding rational design of mixed nanoparticle antimicrobials/AMPs and nanoparticulate delivery systems for AMPs. Here, the area of membrane interactions and antimicrobial effects of inorganic nanomaterials are briefly outlined, in combination with AMPs.