Polymer Conjugates of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) with D-Amino Acids (D-aa): State of the Art and Future Opportunities

Abstract

In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have enjoyed a renaissance, as the world is currently facing an emergency in terms of severe infections that evade antibiotics’ treatment. This is due to the increasing emergence and spread of resistance mechanisms. Covalent conjugation with polymers is an interesting strategy to modulate the pharmacokinetic profile of AMPs and enhance their biocompatibility profile. It can also be an effective approach to develop active coatings for medical implants and devices, and to avoid biofilm formation on their surface. In this concise review, we focus on the last 5 years’ progress in this area, pertaining in particular to AMPs that contain D-amino acids, as well as their role, and the advantages that may arise from their introduction into AMPs.