Recombinant shrimp antimicrobial peptides as alternative biotherapeutics in aquaculture: An exploration of future prospects

• Shrimp aquaculture experiences major economic setbacks due to various disease outbreaks • Misuse of antibiotics in shrimp farming has led to widespread antibiotic resistance • AMPs emerge as safe and sustainable alternatives to conventional antibiotics • Recombinant AMPs can ensure consistent, scalable production for efficient application • Biotechnology and nanoformulation of AMPs can significantly improve their stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy Multifaceted disease problems plague shrimp farming on an epic scale, resulting in colossal economic losses and sustainability issues. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in management of disease outbreaks is a growing concern because of the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens. This necessitates more sustainable, innovative solutions. Several alternatives are under study, and some have already been found suitable for use in shrimp hatcheries and aquaculture farms. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could be viable, environmentally acceptable biotherapeutic agents to address the issue of antibiotic resistance. Advancements in studies on the expression profiling of AMPs in shrimp and their synthesis through genetic engineering approaches strongly indicate their potential for application in aquaculture systems. In recent years, there have been conspicuous efforts to enhance the stability of AMP and to facilitate targeted delivery in field conditions. The future of AMP research will focus on developing AMP nanoformulations to enhance bioavailability and on host genome editing to improve crop adaptability to potential pathogens. Thus, AMP-based solutions could be integrated to transform disease management strategies in farmed shrimp and to steer the industry towards economic sustainability. The use of AMPs as alternatives to antibiotics addresses antibiotic use related resistance and residues and is likely to contribute to better environmental health. It also promises profitability and long-term sustainability of the sector through healthy shrimp production. This review presents a comprehensive information on shrimp AMP types, their mechanisms of action, and their efficacy in combating pathogen-induced diseases in shrimp farming.