AMPs exert their antimicrobial effects primarily through interactions with microbial cell membranes. Their cationic nature facilitates binding to the negatively charged components of microbial membranes, such as lipopolysaccharides in Gram-negative bacteria or teichoic acids in Gram-positive bacteria. Once bound, AMPs can disrupt the membrane integrity, causing pore formation, membrane thinning, or complete membrane lysis. This mechanism not only leads to rapid microbial death but also reduces the likelihood of resistance development, as it is difficult for microbes to alter their membrane composition significantly.
