Work

The Role and Progress of Antimicrobial Peptides in Managing Oral Biofilms: A Narrative Review

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Oral chronic infectious diseases are intrinsically linked to the formation of dental plaque biofilms, which significantly enhance bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents and host defenses. The widespread misuse of antibiotics has further compounded this issue by selecting for drug-resistant microbial populations, complicating the clinical management of biofilm-associated oral diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents due to their excellent biocompatibility, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and low propensity for inducing bacterial resistance. This review aims to synthesise the role and latest progress of AMPs in combating oral biofilms, with a specific focus on their application potential against Cariogenic Biofilms, Periodontal Disease Biofilms, Root Canal Infection Biofilms, Peri-implantitis Biofilms, and Candida-associated biofilms. Furthermore, it summarises contemporary knowledge on AMP types, their mechanisms of biofilm inhibition, and advanced strategies for peptide modification and design, thereby bridging a critical gap in the current literature and providing essential insights for future AMP engineering and clinical translation.

Source: International Dental Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2025.104022

Authors: Deji Ciren, Xiaoyue Xia, Yuemeng Zhu, Sumin Hui, Lihua Hong

Institution: Jilin University

Language: English

Topic: Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities

Subfield: Microbiology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,550