Bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria as an alternative to antibiotics

Abstract

Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized, proteinaceous substances that inhibit the growth of closely related species through numerous mechanisms. The classification system used in this review divided bacteriocins into four sub-groups based on their size. Currently, there is extensive research focused on bacteriocins and their usage as a food preservative.The increasing incidence of multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens is one of the most pressing medical problems in recent years. Recently, the potential clinical application of LAB (Lactic Acid Bacteria) bacteriocin has been the subject of investigations by many scientists.Bacteriocins can be considered in a sense as antibiotic, although they differ from conventional antibiotics in numerous aspects. The gene-encoded nature of bacteriocins makes them easily amenable through bioengineering to either increase their activity or specify target microorganism. Owing to this feature of bacteriocins, antibiotic therapy would become less damaging to the natural gut microflora, which is a common drawback of conventional antibiotic use. Bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria represent one of the most studied microbial defense systems and the idea of subjecting them to bioengineering to either increase antimicrobial activity or further specify their target microorganism is now a rapidly expanding field. This review aimed to present bacteriocins as a possible alternative to conventional antibiotics basic on latest scientific data.

The Genus Enterococcus: Between Probiotic Potential and Safety Concerns—An Update

“…With the emergence and rapid spread of resistance to conventional antibiotics, bacteriocins are considered to be an attractive alternative in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections (Cotter et al, 2013 ; Hammami et al, 2013 ), and a few are being tested in clinical trials (Behrens et al, 2017 ). Bacteriocins are potent, lowly toxic and target a narrow range of bacteria so they can act without affecting much of the natural microbiota which is a common drawback of conventional antibiotic use (Lohans and Vederas, 2012 ; Ołdak and Zielinska, 2017 ). The gene-encoded nature of bacteriocins makes them easily amenable through bioengineering to either increase their activity or specify target microorganism (Yang et al, 2014 ).…”

Enterocin LD3 fromEnterococcus hiraeLD3 causing efflux of intracellular ions and UV‐absorbing materials in Gram‐negative bacteria

“…). Bacteriocins are potent, have low toxicity and target a narrow range of bacteria without affecting much of the natural microbiota which is a common drawback of conventionally used antibiotics (Oldak and Zielinska ).…”

Overview of Global Trends in Classification, Methods of Preparation and Application of Bacteriocins

“…The integration of nanotechnologies and biotechnologies opens the way to unlimited opportunities and future prospects for solving problems related to a range of biological products. Through this integration, effective delivery, targeting, protection from degradation, as well as increasing the effectiveness of drugs can be achieved [ 60 ]. Nanoincapsulation of bacteriocins intended for use as bioconservants can protect them from degradation by proteolytic enzymes and prevent undesirable interactions with other food components.…”