Antimicrobial Peptides as Next-Generation Disinfectants: Tackling Biocide and Antimicrobial Resistance in Hospital Hygiene - A Narrative Review

Abstract

The global burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is exacerbated by an increase in the number of biocide-resistant pathogens in hospital settings. Traditional disinfection methods face limitations, such as biofilm resilience, environmental hazards, and inadvertent selection of resistant strains. This review explores peptide-based disinfectants as innovative solutions to these challenges and highlights their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, biodegradability, and eco-friendliness. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit mechanisms such as membrane disruption, biofilm inhibition, and bridging the gap between conventional and probiotic disinfectants. Innovations in peptide design and bioengineering have enhanced their efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens, including vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). AMP-based solutions have shown a 70-90% reduction in pathogen load in hospital trials, surpassing traditional disinfectants in terms of both effectiveness and safety. This review also emphasizes the feasibility of AMP-based disinfectants in resource-limited settings, where AMR and biocide resistance are particularly problematic. By analyzing the challenges, innovations, and economic aspects of integrating peptide-based disinfectants into hospital hygiene protocols, this study underscores their transformative potential. AMP-based solutions offer sustainable alternatives to combat AMR and biocide resistance, paving the way for more effective global infection-control strategies.

Keywords: Antimicrobial peptide-based (AMP) next generation disinfectants; Antimicrobial resistance (AMR); Biocide resistance; Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs); Sustainable infection control.