Diversity of the bacteriocins, their classification and potential applications in combat of antibiotic resistant and...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The discovery of penicillin nearly a century ago marked a milestone, but widespread antibiotic resistance necessitates novel antimicrobial strategies.
• Bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides produced by various organisms, have shown potential as food preservatives and, more recently, as therapeutics.
• The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria highlights the urgent need for alternative treatments in modern medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diversity of bacteriocins, focusing on those from lactic acid bacteria.
• To explore the potential of bacteriocins as alternative therapeutics against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
• To evaluate bioengineered bacteriocins and their combined use with conventional antibiotics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria, non-lactic acid bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes.
• Analysis of bacteriocin characteristics, including selectivity and cytotoxicity.
• Evaluation of therapeutic applications, bioengineering, and synergistic combinations with antibiotics.

Main Results:

• Bacteriocins exhibit high selectivity and low cytotoxicity, making them suitable for therapeutic use.
• Diverse bacteriocins from various microbial sources show promise against resistant pathogens.
• Bioengineered bacteriocins and combinations with existing antibiotics offer enhanced antimicrobial strategies.

Conclusions:

• Bacteriocins represent a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics for combating multidrug-resistant pathogens.
• The application of bacteriocins in human and veterinary medicine is a promising next step in antimicrobial therapy.
• Further research into bacteriocin bioengineering and synergistic applications will enhance their therapeutic efficacy.