From precision synthesis to cross-industry applications: The future of emerging peptide technologies.

Journal: Pharmacological research
Published Date:

Abstract

Peptides, derived primarily from natural bioactive sources, play essential roles in human physiological processes such as hormone regulation and nerve signal transmission. Recent advances in phage display technology have revolutionized peptide screening, enabling the rapid and efficient identification of billions of peptide within a single day. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has further accelerated peptide discovery, allowing for the swift identification of bioactive sequences and structural optimization to enhance their stability, efficacy, and target specificity. Peptides have demonstrated extensive applications across diverse industries. In medicine, they exhibit potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor properties, with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) emerging as promising alternatives against multidrug-resistant bacteria. In the food industry, peptides contribute to functional foods by providing antihypertensive, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, promoting overall health. The cosmetics sector also relies on peptides for their ability to stimulate collagen production, enhance skin regeneration, and deliver anti-aging benefits, making them key ingredients in advanced skincare formulations. Emerging delivery nanocarrier systems, aim to improve peptide stability, absorption, and half-life. With ongoing technological breakthroughs and interdisciplinary collaboration, peptides are poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in modern medicine and biotechnology, offering innovative solutions for a range of health, food, and cosmetic applications.

Authors

  • Mingming Wang
    Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology, Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
  • Hongmin Xia
    Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology, Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
  • Cheng Wang
    Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
  • Tong Zhang
    Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
  • Mengru Zhang
    Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology, Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
  • Xinyi Li
    Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.
  • Chune Peng
    Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing / Institute of Agro-Food Sciences and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China.
  • Tianyuan Jing
    Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology, Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
  • Yuwei Wang
    College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, PR China.
  • Lizeng Peng
    Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing / Institute of Agro-Food Sciences and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China. Electronic address: penglizeng@sdnu.edu.cn.
  • Ping Wang
    School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, 255049, Zibo, PR China. Electronic address: wangping876@163.com.