Antimicrobial Peptide Delivery

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a diverse group of molecules that have broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. However, their clinical application is limited by their rapid clearance, low stability, and potential toxicity. Dendrimers offer a promising solution for AMP delivery, as they can protect the peptide from degradation, enhance its bioavailability, and improve its targeting to specific cells or tissues.

Applications of Antimicrobial Peptide

AMPs are small molecules that are naturally produced by a wide range of organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. They have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, meaning they can kill or inhibit the growth of a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. AMPs work by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to their death. AMPs target multiple sites on the cell membrane of microorganisms, making it more difficult for the microorganisms to develop resistance. AMPs have potential applications in a variety of areas, including medicine, agriculture, and food preservation. They are being investigated as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics, which are becoming increasingly ineffective due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance. They are also being investigated as potential anticancer agents, as they have been shown to have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.

Antimicrobial peptides' (AMPs) mechanism of action. (Martin-Serrano Á, et al., 2019)

Antimicrobial Peptide Delivery Systems

AMPs are a promising area of research with a wide range of potential applications. However, their therapeutic use is currently limited by their poor stability, low solubility, and susceptibility to proteolytic degradation. Researchers are currently investigating various delivery systems for AMPs to overcome these limitations and enhance their therapeutic efficacy. Some of the commonly used AMP delivery systems include:

• Liposomes
• Polymeric Nanoparticles
• Hydrogels
• Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
• Dendrimers

Advantages of Dendrimers as Antimicrobial Peptide Delivery Systems

Some examples of AMP carriers. (Martin-Serrano Á, et al., 2019)

• Avoiding Enzyme Degradation
  One of the advantages of using dendrimers for AMP delivery is their ability to encapsulate the peptide and protect it from enzymatic degradation. Dendrimers can also improve the solubility and stability of AMPs, which can increase their bioavailability and reduce their potential toxicity.
• Promoting Cell Membrane Interactions and Endocytosis
  Dendrimers can enhance the cellular uptake of AMPs by facilitating their interaction with the cell membrane and promoting endocytosis.
• Targeting Delivery
  Another advantage of using dendrimers for AMP delivery is their ability to target the peptide to specific cells or tissues. Dendrimers can be functionalized with targeting ligands, such as antibodies or peptides, that can selectively bind to specific cell surface receptors or antigens. This can improve the specificity and selectivity of AMP delivery, which can reduce the potential for off-target effects and toxicity.
• Controlling Release
  Dendrimers can also be designed to release the AMP in a controlled manner, which can prolong its therapeutic activity and reduce the frequency of dosing. This can be achieved by modifying the dendrimer surface with stimuli-responsive moieties, such as pH-sensitive or redox-sensitive groups, that can trigger the release of the AMP in response to specific environmental cues.

CD BioSciences is committed to providing you with dendrimer-peptide conjugation services, drawing on its expertise in organic chemistry and its extensive experience in dendrimer research.

How We Can Help

With extensive experience in dendrimer development, CD BioSciences is proud to introduce our high-quality products and customized services with our diverse skill set. Our well-trained, friendly, and professional study directors and project managers strive to complete your project on time through open lines of communication and to your specifications. If you are interested in our products or services or have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Martin-Serrano Á.; et al. Nanosystems as Vehicles for the Delivery of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). Pharmaceutics. 2019, 11: 448.