Chemical immobilization of antimicrobial peptides on biomaterial surfaces

Abstract

The hospital infections associated with surgical procedures and implants still represents a severe problem to modern society. Therefore, new strategies to combat bacterial infections mainly caused by microorganisms resistant to conventional antibiotics are extremely necessary. In this context, antimicrobial peptides have gained prominence due their biocompatibility, low toxicity and effectiveness. The immobilization of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) onto a biomaterial surface is an excellent alternative to the development of new biodevices with microbicide properties. Herein, we describe reports related to physical-chemical characterization, in vitro/in vivo studies and clinical applicability. In this review, we focused on the AMPs mechanisms of action, different peptide immobilization strategies on solid surface and their microbicide effectiveness.