Alternatives to Antibiotics: Bacteriocins and Antimicrobial Peptides

Dear Colleagues，

In recent years, the often indiscriminate use of antibiotics to control infectious diseases has led to an increase in multidrug antimicrobial resistance, causing serious problems in several fields of human medicine, as well as in animal and food production and other agricultural activities. Therefore, this has become a critical issue that urgently presses for the discovery and development of new antimicrobial agents. Among the different alternatives studied, antimicrobial peptides and bacteriocins are some of the most promising candidates. Antimicrobial peptides are host defense peptides with a broad spectrum of activity, not only against bacteria, but also against fungi, parasites, and even enveloped viruses, and are less likely to induce resistance. Bacteriocins are bactericidal peptides produced by bacteria, that also exhibit antimicrobial activity with variable spectrum, depending on the peptide. Both these antimicrobial agents are already implemented in some areas, though to a very limited extent; therefore, their true potential remains unlocked. This Special Issue is looking for manuscript submissions on all aspects of antibacterial peptides and bacteriocins, both old and new, and on how they can contribute to further benefiting human and veterinary health. Original research manuscripts, short communications, and reviews are welcomed.

Dr. João Vilares Neves
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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