Structural and Functional Characterization of Novel Antimicrobial Peptides from Marine Invertebrates: Mechanisms of Action Against Multi-Drug-Resistant Pathogens

Dr. Meera Krishnan

Department of Biotechnology,

St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119, India

Abstract

Marine invertebrates serve as a rich source of biologically active compounds, notably antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which hold promise in tackling multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. These peptides exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial effects by disrupting membranes, inhibiting crucial enzymes, and modulating the host’s immune system. This study focused on the structural and functional characterization of new AMPs extracted from specific marine invertebrates and assessed their effectiveness against MDR bacteria and fungi. Structural evaluations using circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and bioinformatics indicated stable α-helical and β-sheet structures, which were linked to strong antimicrobial properties. Functional tests revealed that these peptides quickly permeabilized membranes, prevented biofilm formation, and worked synergistically with standard antibiotics. Molecular docking and in silico modeling provided further insights into their interaction with microbial membranes and important bacterial enzymes. Overall, these results highlight the therapeutic potential of AMPs derived from marine sources as innovative antimicrobial agents to combat the increasing challenge of MDR infections.

Keywords

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from marine invertebrates, Multi-drug resistant pathogens, Structural analysis, Action mechanisms, Inhibition of biofilms