Lipopeptide
Lipopeptides are a class of molecules that consist of a peptide (a short chain of amino acids) linked to a lipid (fatty acid). This unique structure allows lipopeptides to interact with cell membranes, making them important in various biological processes. They are often found in nature, particularly in certain bacteria, and can have antimicrobial properties.
In medicine and biotechnology, lipopeptides are studied for their potential use in developing new antibiotics and therapeutic agents. Their ability to disrupt bacterial membranes makes them promising candidates for combating antibiotic-resistant infections, which is a growing concern in public health.