DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v28i2.12

Keywords: Amphiphilic synthetic polymers, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), multidrug-resistant (MDR), ESKAPE pathogens, antibacterial polymer

Abstract

The discovery of penicillin has transformed medicine, dramatically reducing deaths from formerly lethal bacterial diseases. Nearly a century later, this achievement has been jeopardized as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spreads, with ESKAPE bacteria emerging as one of the most serious threats to human health. These multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms have increasingly rendered many existing antibiotics ineffective, heightening the urgency for novel therapeutic strategies. As a result, research efforts are increasingly focused on discovering new agents that can circumvent traditional resistance routes. Amphiphilic synthetic polymers have emerged as promising alternatives that mimic the structure and function of natural antibacterial peptides (ABPs). They exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, selectively disrupt bacterial membranes, and possess chemical tunability, offering control over hydrophobicity, cationic charge, and molecular architecture. Such properties make them highly adaptable and effective in targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly those implicated in hospital-acquired infections. This review examines the evolution of antibacterial strategies, from conventional antibiotics to peptide-mimicking amphiphilic polymers, focusing on their mechanisms of action and design principles. With their ability to overcome traditional resistance pathways and improved biocompatibility compared to ABPs, these polymers represent a cutting-edge advancement in antibacterial chemistry. They hold great promise in addressing the growing AMR crisis, particularly against high-priority pathogens like the ESKAPE species. Their unique features indicate enormous potential as next-generation therapeutics against ESKAPE pathogens, opening up novel opportunities for future research and clinical uses.