Revisiting the Multifaceted Roles of Bacteriocins

Abstract

Bacteriocins are gene-encoded antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria. These peptides are heterogeneous in terms of structure, antimicrobial activities, biosynthetic clusters, and regulatory mechanisms. Bacteriocins are widespread in nature and may contribute to microbial diversity due to their capacity to target specific bacteria. Primarily studied as food preservatives and therapeutic agents, their function in natural settings is however less known. This review emphasizes the ecological significance of bacteriocins as multifunctional peptides by exploring bacteriocin distribution, mobility, and their impact on bacterial population dynamics and biofilms.

Antibacterial Activity and Action Mechanism of Bacteriocin Paracin wx7 as a Selective Biopreservative against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis in Fresh-Cut Lettuce

“…Excitingly, 16 µM paracin wx7 treatment had a stronger membrane permeabilization than 16 µg/mL melittin treatment (Figure 4A). Nisin also can induce pore formation by targeting lipid II and inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis [39]. Compared with nisin, paracin wx7 showed a stronger membrane permeabilization ability (Figure 4B).…”

“…1 ⃝ damaging the cell envelope and 2 ⃝ inhibiting gene expression and protein production within the cell [39]. To further verify the antibacterial mechanism of paracin wx7, paracin wx7 was labeled by fluorescein FITC to trace its location in E. faecalis.…”