Precision and Modality-Driven Antimicrobials: AMPs, Biomimetics, and Novel Chemistries

Targeted modalities promise potent activity with minimized dysbiosis and resistance selection. This Research Topic covers:



Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): multifunctional designs (e.g., antimicrobial plus cell-penetrating), stability/toxicity engineering, and resistance-aware design rules.



Biomimetic and narrow-spectrum strategies that exploit pathogen-specific membrane or protein features.



Innovative chemistries for antibiotic design, including boron bioisosteres and other nontraditional scaffolds with diverse target engagement modes.



Mechanistic and structural studies that reveal binding modes and selectivity drivers. We welcome both historical perspective papers that inform current design heuristics and forward-looking research with clear translational trajectories.