Bacteriocins as promising alternatives to conventional antimicrobial agents

Abstract

Bacteriocins are bacterially synthesized ribosomal antimicrobial peptides which hinder the growth of closely related or unrelated bacterial species. They are often compared to antibiotics due to their significant bactericidal properties. Reports suggest that almost all bacteria synthesize bacteriocins as a part of their innate immunity. Bacteriocin production is dependent on a number of process variables such as aeration, pH, temperature and the type of carbon and nitrogen source used. Bacteriocin applications are primarily focused on food preservation. However, resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents offers novel prospects for bacteriocin applications. Several recent studies have purified bacteriocins for food preservation, infection control, cancer therapy, peptic ulcers etc. This study summarises the classification of bacteriocins, their mechanism of action, factors affecting bacteriocin production and the applications of bacteriocins as antimicrobial agents.