Future Antimicrobials: Natural and Functionalized Phenolics

Abstract

With incidence of antimicrobial resistance rising globally, there is a continuous need for development of new antimicrobial molecules. Phenolic compounds having a versatile scaffold that allows for a broad range of chemical additions; they also exhibit potent antimicrobial activities which can be enhanced significantly through functionalization. Synthetic routes such as esterification, phosphorylation, hydroxylation or enzymatic conjugation may increase the antimicrobial activity of compounds and reduce minimal concentrations needed. With potent action mechanisms interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, DNA replication or enzyme production, phenolics can target multiple sites in bacteria, leading to a much higher sensitivity of cells towards these natural compounds. The current review summarizes some of the most important knowledge on functionalization of natural phenolic compounds and the effects on their antimicrobial activity.

Combined effect of metabolites produced by a modified Lactobacillus casei and berry phenolic extract on Campylobacter and microbiome in chicken cecum contents

“…Previously, it has been mentioned in different studies that DNA might be affected by the probiotic/prebiotic treatments (Aditya et al., 2020; Van Loo et al, 2005). Cell walls of different gram‐negative bacterial pathogens have been observed to be permeable in the presence of CFCS and phenolic compounds leading to the DNA damage (Aditya et al, 2020, Alvarado‐Martinez et al., 2020; Lobiuc et al., 2013). This damaging might be the effect of acidic pH environment created by the phenolic acids and CFCS as well as can be attributed to H 2 O 2 that is present in CFCS (Aditya et al., 2020; Alvarado‐Martinez et al., 2020; Brudzynski et al., 2012).…”

Antibacterial and Toxic Activity of Geopropolis Extracts from Melipona subnitida (Ducke, 1910) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and Scaptotrigona depilis (Moure, 1942) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

“…Natural product extracts, such as geopropolis, tend to exhibit a better antibacterial effect against Gram‐positive bacteria, a fact not observed in our findings for the extract in question. Natural product extracts can exert their antibacterial activity through several mechanisms, including damage to the cell membrane due to the interaction of compounds with essential membrane components, which can lead to its rupture, as well as the inhibition of metabolic processes that hinder the formation of the cell wall and protein synthesis [48,49] …”

Bioactive Components and Biological Activities of Crocus sativus L. Byproducts: A Comprehensive Review

“…Generally, the phytochemical components in saffron bioproducts can kill or inhibit the growth of bacterial cells in various ways, including (1) disruption of the cell membrane, (2) modulation of efflux pumps, (3) inhibition of virulence factors, (4) inhibition of quorum sensing, (5) inhibition of fatty acid synthase, (6) inhibition of peptidoglycan cross-linking, (7) inhibition of dipeptide synthesis, (8) inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation, (9) alteration in oxidative phosphorylation, and (10) inhibition of oxygen uptake (Figure ). ,,− Molecular docking studies of flavonoids showed that flavonoids and their derivatives have significant affinity for binding with certain receptors, suggesting the reason for their good antimicrobial activity …”