Evaluation of CRISPR-Based Antimicrobial Peptides for Targeted Eradication of Oral Biofilms and Pathogenic Flora
Keywords:
CRISPR-Cas, antimicrobial peptides, oral biofilms, targeted therapy, pathogenic flora, precision dentistryAbstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant oral pathogens and persistent biofilms presents a growing challenge for dental health management. Traditional antimicrobial therapies are limited in efficacy due to resistance mechanisms, reduced penetration into biofilm matrices, and collateral damage to commensal microbiota. In this context, CRISPR-based antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising solution by combining the specificity of CRISPR-Cas systems with the potent antimicrobial activity of engineered peptides. This study reviews recent advancements in CRISPR-based AMPs for targeted eradication of oral biofilms and pathogenic flora. We provide a comparative assessment of findings, explore mechanistic pathways, and present a framework for clinical translation. A synthesis of literature and conceptual modeling demonstrates the potential of CRISPR-AMPs to transform oral health interventions, though challenges in delivery, biosafety, and regulatory compliance remain critical.
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