Scientists have identified antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) — short amino acid chains — as powerful agents capable of killing harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. This breakthrough offers a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics and could help combat the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
In a study published in Microbiology Spectrum, researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign demonstrated that certain AMPs effectively eliminated multiple Salmonella strains in both lab experiments and live chickens. Salmonella, a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide, is commonly transmitted through contaminated poultry, eggs, and meat.
The team identified two AMPs that significantly reduced Salmonella levels in chickens and showed remarkable resistance to heat and enzymes — making them suitable for use in the poultry industry.
Researchers suggest that AMPs could strengthen food safety measures and protect public health while reducing dependence on conventional antibiotics. If further validated, they may offer a sustainable, antibiotic-free approach to preventing foodborne infections and limiting the spread of resistant bacteria.