Enhancing the efficacy and selectivity of novel antimicrobial peptides against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus through computational and experimental approaches
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
08927014
eISSN
10292454
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105026633781
Pubmed ID
41486693
Journal Title
Biofouling
Volume
42
Issue
1
Start Page
85
End Page
98
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Biofouling Vol.42 No.1 (2026) , 85-98
Suggested Citation
Santaweesuk P., Khumbungkha W., Ngamsiri T., Pipattanaboon C., Phanthanawiboon S., Shoombuatong W., Kanthawong S. Enhancing the efficacy and selectivity of novel antimicrobial peptides against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus through computational and experimental approaches. Biofouling Vol.42 No.1 (2026) , 85-98. 98. doi:10.1080/08927014.2025.2604263 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114845
Title
Enhancing the efficacy and selectivity of novel antimicrobial peptides against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus through computational and experimental approaches
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a major global health threat and is recognized by the World Health Organization as a high-priority pathogen for new drug development. MRSA’s ability to form biofilms further complicates treatment and enhances antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) present a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics, however, their discovery remains labor-intensive. This study utilized computational and experimental approaches to evaluate the physicochemical properties, anti-MRSA activity against 10 clinical isolates, bacterial selectivity, cytotoxicity, and antibiofilm effects of AMPs. Temporin-PF (TPF) peptide was identified as a leading candidate and modified to generate TPF-M1, achieving an improved anti-MRSA score of 600.0. TPF-M1 exhibited enhanced killing activity and selectivity against MRSA with low toxicity toward human cells. At 20 µM, TPF-M1 effectively reduced MRSA biofilm viability using the transferable solid-phase pin lid method and disrupted the biofilm structure. These findings underscore the potential of AI-guided AMP development for anti-MRSA therapy.