Molecular Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Activity and Resistance in Pathogens

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to the Special Issue titled: Molecular Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Activity and Resistance in Pathogens. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly multidrug resistance (MDR), represents one of the most critical global health threats, undermining the efficacy of current treatments and driving a surge in morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its rapid and persistent spread exhibits a pandemic-like pattern with no foreseeable end. Gaining a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern antimicrobial activity and resistance is essential for devising innovative strategies to counteract resistant pathogens. This research area integrates microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and clinical science, providing valuable insights into drug–target interactions, genetic determinants of resistance and adaptive processes such as biofilm formation. Advancing knowledge in these domains is key to guiding the development of novel antimicrobials and alternative therapeutic approaches.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for studies exploring the molecular basis of antimicrobial action and resistance in pathogenic microorganisms by addressing fundamental and applied aspects of microbiology, antimicrobial agents and resistance mechanisms. Contributions will cover molecular pathways, genetic regulation and innovative strategies to overcome resistance, ensuring relevance to both basic research and translational applications.

 In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Molecular targets and mechanisms of antimicrobial agents (antibacterial and/or antifungal agents)
• Genetic and biochemical basis of antimicrobial resistance
• Role of mobile genetic elements and horizontal gene transfer
• Biofilm-associated resistance and regulatory pathways
• Novel antimicrobial strategies (e.g., essential oils, prebiotics, nanoparticles, CRISPR-based approaches)
• Synergistic effects of antimicrobial combinations (natural and bio-inspired Molecules)
• Omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) in resistance studies

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Lia Mara Diţu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomolecules is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.