The Potential of Non-Ribosomal Peptide Engineering for Creating New Antimicrobial Complexes

Self-assembling antimicrobial complexes are a promising new technology for the development of antimicrobial, antifungal, and other bioactive agents with targeted delivery, adaptability, and the regulation of processes over time. Ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are most frequently considered as the basis for such complexes; however, we suggest that non-ribosomally synthesized peptides (NRPs) should be considered as molecules that also hold potential for engineering and already possess a set of qualities that AMPs are still to be engineered to have. This review examines the key features of NRP structure and self-assembly that determine their potential as antimicrobial agents, as well as NRP engineering methods through which new, more advanced agents for combating antibiotic-resistant microorganisms can be created.