Towards the synthesis of sugar amino acid containing antimicrobial noncytotoxic CAP conjugates with gold nanoparticles and a mechanistic study of cell disruptionf |

摘要

The development of new antibiotics with novel modes of action assumes great significance today due to the increasing emergence of bacterial resistance towards the existing antibiotics.Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs) - linear as well as cyclic - are considered as potential antibiotics but sometimes have significant toxic behaviour which curbs their application as antibiotics.The mechanistic pathway of cell destruction by any antimicrobial substance may proceed through pore formation in the lipid bilayer by barrel stave, carpet or toroidal-pore mechanism or may penetrate into the cell to bind to crucial cell components.For this, the size, chemical composition, amphipathicity and cationic charge of the peptide are important factors. Substances attached to a carrier may also have enhanced activities against microorganisms as compared to their native selves with lesser cytotoxic effect. One of the most discussed and used carriers to date one is the gold nanoparticle due to its nontoxicity, therapeutic effect and biocompatible unique optical and photothermal behaviour.