A perspective on the selection and design of antimicrobial peptides for bacteria detection

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are versatile biomolecules with unique properties, including specificity, stability, and ease of synthesis, making them promising candidates for bacteria detection in biosensors. This review explores the potential of AMPs as biorecognition elements, emphasizing their structural properties, interaction mechanisms with bacterial membranes, and their application in biosensing. AMPs offer advantages such as being less prone to bacterial resistance mechanisms and compatibility with various biosensor platforms, including optical and electrochemical sensors. Recent advancements in AMP design strategies, such as in-silico modeling and structural tailoring, in addition to immobilization techniques, are discussed, highlighting their role in enhancing AMP properties. Challenges and current research gaps affecting AMP efficacy in biosensors are critically examined and possible solutions are suggested and discussed. Future directions include the development of multiplexed AMP-based biosensors and integration into smart food packaging for real-time pathogen monitoring. By addressing current research gaps, AMPs could revolutionize bacterial detection methodologies across multiple fields, including medicine, food safety, and environmental monitoring. • AMPs have been reported to have high specificity and stability as biorecognition elements in biosensors. • Advanced design strategies enhance AMP specificity and properties. • AMP-based biosensors integrate seamlessly with electrochemical and optical platforms. • Research gaps include AMP immobilization effects and long-term sensor stability.