Antimicrobial and antibiofilm microbial lipids: biological activity, experimental testing, therapeutic and recent...

Microbial lipids-including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), lipopeptides, and phospholipids-exhibit notable antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Among them, PUFAs, especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids produced by oleaginous yeasts and microalgae, have emerged as particularly effective due to their ability to disrupt bacterial membranes and enhance permeability, ultimately causing cell death. This mechanism is especially valuable against antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-forming pathogens. While other microbial lipids such as modified LPS, amphiphilic lipopeptides (e.g., daptomycin), and phospholipids also contribute antimicrobial effects, PUFAs demonstrate superior efficacy and dual functionality as both health-promoting nutrients and antimicrobial agents. Current strategies, including liposomal delivery systems and EPS-degrading enzyme co-administration, aim to enhance the bioavailability and targeted action of these compounds. Future research should focus on exploring PUFA combinations with conventional antimicrobials to exploit potential synergistic effects. Harnessing the structural and functional diversity of microbial lipids, particularly PUFAs, could lead to innovative therapeutic solutions for combating antibiotic resistance and biofilm-related infections.