Understanding and Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Molecular Insights and Innovative Approaches

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to global public health, compromising the effectiveness of life-saving drugs and complicating the treatment of infectious diseases. This special issue brings together cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that delve into the molecular underpinnings of AMR, including genetic mutations, horizontal gene transfer, efflux pump mechanisms, and biofilm formation. In parallel, it highlights innovative strategies to counteract resistance, such as novel antibiotic development, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophage therapy, CRISPR-based tools, and antimicrobial stewardship programs. By bridging fundamental molecular science with applied solutions, this issue aims to foster a deeper understanding of resistance mechanisms and inspire transformative approaches to restore the efficacy of antimicrobial therapies.

Scope and Topics of Interest Include (but are not limited to):

• Molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying AMR
• Evolution and spread of resistance genes and mobile genetic elements
• Cutting-edge diagnostics and resistance detection tools
• Development of novel antimicrobials and drug repurposing
• Phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and CRISPR-based strategies
• Biofilms and host–pathogen interactions
• Global surveillance, One Health initiatives, and resistance mitigation policies

Dr. Giovanni Di Bonaventura
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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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.