[Characteristic, properties, prospect of application of bacteriocins]

Literary data and own research results dedicated to bacteriocin investigations have been analysed. Bacteriocins as one of the most widespread factors of bacterial antagonism, which are distinguished by the majority of microorganisms and characterized by bactericidal action in respect of representatives of phylogenetically related species have been considered. Allowing for their high lytic activity and narrow action specificity, the prospects for the use of the bacteriocins as possible alternative antibacterial remedies are examined. The basic approaches to bacteriocin classification, their variety, structure, killer properties and mechanisms of lytic action are presented. The perspective trends of the use and possible significance of these antibacterial substances in medicine are indicated.