Photoantimicrobials in agriculture

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Pathogen resistance to chemical pesticides and limited antimicrobial agents necessitate safer strategies.
• Growing consumer and legislative focus on environmental and human health drives demand for novel antimicrobial solutions.
• Improving global food security requires innovative approaches to control pre- and post-harvest diseases and foodborne pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To holistically review and re-evaluate recent findings on photoantimicrobials for agricultural and food safety applications.
• To explore the ecology of naturally occurring photoantimicrobials and their photodynamic processes.
• To discuss the mechanisms of action for natural and synthetic photosensitizers in controlling plant and foodborne pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and re-evaluation of existing research on photoantimicrobials.
• Analysis of photodynamic processes and light-activated antimicrobial activities of plant metabolites.
• Examination of fungus-induced photosensitization in plants.

Main Results:

• Antimicrobial photodynamic treatment is effective in controlling plant-pathogenic fungi and bacteria, and foodborne pathogens on agricultural produce.
• Naturally occurring and synthetic photosensitizers exhibit potent antimicrobial activity through unique mechanisms.
• Photoantimicrobials represent a promising strategy for enhancing agricultural biotechnology and global food security.

Conclusions:

• Antimicrobial photodynamic treatment offers a viable, safe alternative to conventional pesticides for disease control in agriculture.
• The unique mode of action of photoantimicrobials positions them as effective tools against resistant microbial strains.
• Harnessing photoantimicrobials can significantly contribute to sustainable agriculture and improved global food security.