Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including bacteriocins produced by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, are gaining attention for their potential to combat antibiotic resistance.

Research continues to explore the therapeutic applications of AMPs and bacteriocins, particularly against resistant bacterial strains.

These peptides play a critical role in maintaining microbial community stability and have promising applications in food preservation and clinical settings.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health issue, contributing to over 60,000 deaths annually in the EU and the US, and potentially 700,000 deaths worldwide.

The World Health Organization has identified AMR as a top priority, particularly concerning pathogens like MRSA and carbapenem-resistant bacteria.

AMPs are short cationic peptides with amphiphilic structures that allow them to disrupt microbial membranes, leading to cell death.

Despite their potential, few AMPs have successfully completed clinical trials, with only a limited number currently available for patient use.

A novel deep learning framework, discoverAMP (dsAMP), has been developed for classifying AMPs, predicting their functions, and generating new candidates.

The results indicate that dsAMP is a reliable tool for identifying novel AMPs in clinical settings, supporting efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.

The structural characteristics of AMPs are notable, as they are typically rich in positive amino acids and hydrophobic residues, influencing their antimicrobial effectiveness.

Bacteriocins, which have a narrow spectrum of action, specifically target certain bacterial pathogens, making them effective alternatives to traditional antibiotics.

The review discusses the classification, modes of action, and future perspectives of bacteriocins, highlighting their potential as alternatives to conventional antibiotics.