AI-designed antimicrobial peptide manuscript published: antibiotic alternatives for poultry production

We are pleased to announce that our scientific manuscript, Efficacy and safety evaluation of artificial intelligence-identified antimicrobial peptides targeting avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in broiler chickens, is now published in Animal Microbiome.

This study evaluates antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) identified through artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics in poultry production. From an initial screen of 875 candidate AMPs, the team identified lead peptides with strong activity against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), low toxicity, and promising immunomodulatory properties.

Using both controlled infection experiments and large-scale commercial pen trials, the study demonstrated that the peptides TeBi1 and TeRu4 improved survival outcomes in broiler chickens while maintaining normal growth performance and feed efficiency. The work further showed that these AMPs modulate inflammatory responses and reduce bacterial burden in challenged birds.

By integrating AI-guided peptide discovery, high-throughput in ovo delivery, and field-relevant poultry production trials, this research provides an important translational framework for developing antibiotic alternatives in agriculture and combating antimicrobial resistance.