About

The project

A database of antimicrobial peptides

BaAMPs collect antimicrobial peptides specifically tested against microbial biofilms in an exhaustive and detailed manner.

BaAMPs provides information on:

  • Sequences and physiochemical properties of AMPs testedagainst microbial biofilms

  • Evaluation of peptide antibiofilm activities in terms of active AMPconcentrations and corresponding biofilm reduction

  • Experimental conditions used to evaluate theactivity

  • Methods used to evaluate the reduction of biofilm

  • Microbial species/strains towardswhich activity was evaluated

Biofilm

A formidable opponent

Biofilms are sessile communities of microorganisms adhering tovarious biotic or abiotic surfaces and embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Biofilmformation occurs basically through four typical stages: adhesion of planktonic cells to a surface, growthof the attached cells with production of the extracellular polymeric matrix, biofilm maturation, anddispersion of single cells and/or clusters of cells from the biofilm, with subsequent colonization of otherlocations. As the formation of the biofilm proceeds, microbial cells become more firmly attached to thesubstrate and more protected from the action of antimicrobials and host immune defenses.

A new weapon

The Power of Antimicrobial Peptides

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a diverse group of molecules that represent one of the most ancient components of the immune system, found in virtually all forms of life. Hailed as a promising solution to the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance, these natural compounds are now at the forefront of biofilm research. Many AMPs have demonstrated a powerful dual ability: they can prevent bacteria from forming biofilms in the first place and can also eradicate mature, established biofilms, making them a vital tool in the development of new therapies for persistent infections.

Authors

Who is behind BaAMPs

  • Dr Mariagrazia Di Luca NEST, Nanoscience Institute - CNR and SNS, Pisa, Italy
  • Dr Giuseppe Maccari Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, Siena, Italy
  • Dr Giuseppantonio Maisetta Department of Translational Research and new Technologies in Medicine and Surgery , UniPI,  Pisa, Italy
  • Prof Giovanna Batoni Department of Translational Research and new Technologies in Medicine and Surgery , UniPI, Pisa, Italy