AMPEC4: Naja ashei Venom-Derived Peptide as a Stimulator of Fibroblast Migration with Antibacterial Activity

The treatment of proctological conditions, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and perianal abscesses, is often complicated by bacterial infections, particularly those involving multidrug-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i>. This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of the newly designed synthetic peptide AMPEC4, inspired by cytotoxin 5 from <i>Naja ashei</i> snake venom. AMPEC4 demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties with MIC values of 100 and 200 µg/mL, effectively inhibiting biofilm formation (up to 84%) and eradicating the pre-formed biofilm by up to 35%. The antibacterial activity of AMPEC4 was further supported by a membrane permeabilization assay, demonstrating its capacity to disrupt bacterial membrane integrity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, AMPEC4 significantly promoted fibroblast migration, a critical step in tissue regeneration, while exhibiting notable biocompatibility, as evidenced by the absence of hemolytic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic effects. By addressing both infection control and tissue regeneration, AMPEC4 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing chronic wounds, particularly in the challenging environment of the anorectal region. Its ability to target <i>Escherichia coli</i> reference and clinical strains while accelerating the wound-healing process underscores its potential for future clinical applications.