Precision and Modality-Driven Antimicrobials: AMPs, Biomimetics, and Novel Chemistries

Targeted antimicrobial modalities can deliver strong pathogen killing while reducing collateral damage to the microbiome and lowering the risk of selecting for resistance. This Research Topic focuses on approaches that sharpen specificity and improve therapeutic windows, with an emphasis on designs that translate into practical anti-infective strategies.We welcome work on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including multifunctional constructs (for example, combining antimicrobial and cell-penetrating activity), stability and toxicity engineering, and resistance-aware design rules. We also encourage biomimetic and narrow-spectrum strategies that exploit pathogen-specific membrane properties or protein features to drive selective activity.In addition, the Topic highlights innovative antibiotic chemistries, such as boron bioisosteres and other nontraditional scaffolds that enable diverse target engagement modes, alongside mechanistic and structural studies that clarify binding modes and the determinants of selectivity. Submissions may include historical perspective articles that refine current design heuristics, as well as forward-looking research with clear translational paths. Topic editors: Carlos A Brizuela, John N Alumasa Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76333/precision-and-modality-driven-antimicrobials-amps-biomimetics-and-novel-chemistries