2.4.3 Antimicrobial peptidesAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides (less than 100 amino acids) with low molecular weight and direct microbicidal activities. They are mostly cationic and amphipathic, although some anionic peptides are included among them. AMPs are synthesized as pre-pro-peptides, and, once the active peptides are released by cleavage, they interact directly with pathoge..