# Peptides: powerful, pervasive, and full of potential

## TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of small peptides in bioengineering and commercial applications, emphasizing their biological importance and future possibilities.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the multifaceted diversity and untapped potential of peptides for both practical use and biological understanding.

## Key findings

- Peptides are versatile biomolecules with numerous functions and commercial potential.
- The paper emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand and utilize peptides.
- Peptides can contribute to addressing societal and environmental challenges.

## Abstract

Small peptides are a diverse and biologically integral group of biomolecules that, due to their organic nature and multitude of functions, are poised to be attractive targets for commercialization and bioengineering in a world that must grapple with changes in climate and societal needs. In this Special Issue, discussions of peptides both novel and well-characterized highlight the multifaceted diversity of these functional biomolecules, emphasize that there is still so much to discover, and stress their potential not only for practical applications, but also for shaping our understanding of fundamental biological principles.