Emerging Applications of Bacteriocins as Antimicrobials, Anticancer Drugs, and Modulators of The Gastrointestinal Microbiota

Pol J Microbiol. 2021 Jun;70(2):143-159. doi: 10.33073/pjm-2021-020. Epub 2021 Jun 21.

Abstract

The use of bacteriocins holds great promise in different areas such as health, food, nutrition, veterinary, nanotechnology, among others. Many research groups worldwide continue to advance the knowledge to unravel a novel range of therapeutic agents and food preservatives. This review addresses the advances of bacteriocins and their producer organisms as biocontrol agents for applications in the medical industry and agriculture. Furthermore, the bacteriocin mechanism of action and structural characteristics will be reviewed. Finally, the potential role of bacteriocins to modulate the signaling in host-associated microbial communities will be discussed.

Keywords: agriculture; bacteriocin; bio-preservatives; biomedical; microbial communities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Bacteriocins* / pharmacology
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / drug effects
  • Microbiota / physiology
  • Pest Control, Biological / trends
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bacteriocins