Bacteriocins: Novel Applications in Food, and Human and Animal Health

Abstract

Bacteriocins are structurally and functionally diverse heat stable cationic proteins, possessing broad or narrow spectrum antimicrobial activity. Traditionally used in food preservation, bacteriocins have preferred properties which have extended their use to emerging technology and research areas. Although not offering a silver bullet solution, bacteriocins have untapped potential to be used in improving food safety, animal husbandry and advance animal and human health, therefore continued bacteriocin discovery and development is an important area of research. This chapter aims to outline the history of bacteriocin discovery, as well as their use with regards to food safety and their applications in human and animal health.