Packaging, long-term stability, and usability of antimicrobial peptide products

This chapter reviews the existing literature on packaging attributes for the long-term stability and usability of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this context, two key product categories that are closely related to the use of AMPs are defined: Cosmeceutic and pharmaceutic topicals. Within such categories, first, we start with the general literature about the preservation and stability of AMPs via product and packaging attributes, including specific literature on preservation in freeze-dried state and aqueous solutions, preservation, and stability of AMPs by encapsulation, AMPs stability in formulated products, stability of AMPs within solid matrices, fiber formation to preserve AMPs, as well as packaging mechanisms and conditions for AMPs. Second, we go over specific case studies focusing on the use of AMPs in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products, where we focus on current market trends in the use of AMPs for cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical formulations, strategically delving into product attributes, user experience/targeted customers, as well as on packaging design. We finish by summarizing the existing findings, stressing the different possibilities between cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical markets while urging on the opportunities for more consumer-centered approaches since today’s customer is constantly looking for augmented value, going beyond basic usefulness and functionality while buying and experiencing products.