Advancements in Antibacterial Therapy: Feature Papers

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis that threatens the efficacy of antibiotics and modern medical interventions. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, exacerbated by the misuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture, underscores the urgent need for...

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Main Authors: Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Gaia Cusumano, Roberto Venanzoni, Paola Angelini
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Microorganisms
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/3/557
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author Giancarlo Angeles Flores
Gaia Cusumano
Roberto Venanzoni
Paola Angelini
author_facet Giancarlo Angeles Flores
Gaia Cusumano
Roberto Venanzoni
Paola Angelini
author_sort Giancarlo Angeles Flores
collection DOAJ
description Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis that threatens the efficacy of antibiotics and modern medical interventions. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, exacerbated by the misuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture, underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions. (1) Background: AMR arises from complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental health, further aggravated by the overuse and inadequate regulation of antibiotics. Conventional treatments are increasingly ineffective, necessitating alternative strategies. Emerging approaches, including bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), nanotechnology, microbial extracellular vesicles (EVs), and CRISPR-based antimicrobials, provide novel mechanisms that complement traditional antibiotics in combating resistant pathogens. (2) Methods: This review critically analyzes advanced antibacterial strategies in conjunction with systemic reforms such as antimicrobial stewardship programs, the One Health framework, and advanced surveillance tools. These methods can enhance resistance detection, guide interventions, and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, economic, logistical, and regulatory challenges impeding their implementation are evaluated. (3) Results: Emerging technologies, such as CRISPR and nanotechnology, exhibit promising potential in targeting resistance mechanisms. However, disparities in resource distribution and regulatory barriers hinder widespread adoption. Public–private partnerships and sustainable agriculture practices are critical to overcoming these obstacles. (4) Conclusions: A holistic and integrated approach is essential for mitigating the impact of AMR. By aligning innovative therapeutic strategies with global health policies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring equitable resource distribution, we can develop a sustainable response to this 21st-century challenge.
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spelling doaj-art-8a7a832b247e4a8c8607f8b8fce939ce2025-08-20T01:48:53ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072025-03-0113355710.3390/microorganisms13030557Advancements in Antibacterial Therapy: Feature PapersGiancarlo Angeles Flores0Gaia Cusumano1Roberto Venanzoni2Paola Angelini3Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, ItalyDepartment of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, ItalyDepartment of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, ItalyDepartment of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, ItalyAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis that threatens the efficacy of antibiotics and modern medical interventions. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, exacerbated by the misuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture, underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions. (1) Background: AMR arises from complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental health, further aggravated by the overuse and inadequate regulation of antibiotics. Conventional treatments are increasingly ineffective, necessitating alternative strategies. Emerging approaches, including bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), nanotechnology, microbial extracellular vesicles (EVs), and CRISPR-based antimicrobials, provide novel mechanisms that complement traditional antibiotics in combating resistant pathogens. (2) Methods: This review critically analyzes advanced antibacterial strategies in conjunction with systemic reforms such as antimicrobial stewardship programs, the One Health framework, and advanced surveillance tools. These methods can enhance resistance detection, guide interventions, and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, economic, logistical, and regulatory challenges impeding their implementation are evaluated. (3) Results: Emerging technologies, such as CRISPR and nanotechnology, exhibit promising potential in targeting resistance mechanisms. However, disparities in resource distribution and regulatory barriers hinder widespread adoption. Public–private partnerships and sustainable agriculture practices are critical to overcoming these obstacles. (4) Conclusions: A holistic and integrated approach is essential for mitigating the impact of AMR. By aligning innovative therapeutic strategies with global health policies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring equitable resource distribution, we can develop a sustainable response to this 21st-century challenge.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/3/557antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)bacteriophagebiofilmbroad-spectrum antibioticsCRISPR-based antimicrobialsextracellular vesicles (EVs)
spellingShingle Giancarlo Angeles Flores
Gaia Cusumano
Roberto Venanzoni
Paola Angelini
Advancements in Antibacterial Therapy: Feature Papers
Microorganisms
antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)
bacteriophage
biofilm
broad-spectrum antibiotics
CRISPR-based antimicrobials
extracellular vesicles (EVs)
title Advancements in Antibacterial Therapy: Feature Papers
title_full Advancements in Antibacterial Therapy: Feature Papers
title_fullStr Advancements in Antibacterial Therapy: Feature Papers
title_full_unstemmed Advancements in Antibacterial Therapy: Feature Papers
title_short Advancements in Antibacterial Therapy: Feature Papers
title_sort advancements in antibacterial therapy feature papers
topic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)
bacteriophage
biofilm
broad-spectrum antibiotics
CRISPR-based antimicrobials
extracellular vesicles (EVs)
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/3/557
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AT paolaangelini advancementsinantibacterialtherapyfeaturepapers