Bacteriocins as Next Generation Antimicrobials: Insights into their Mechanisms and Applications

Bacteriocins are a unique group of antimicrobial peptides synthesized by ribosomes, heat sensitive and have the potential to inhibit or kill related bacterial groups but can also have broad spectrum against other microorganisms. Bacteriocins exert inhibitory effects through diverse mechanisms viz. creating a pore in bacterial membranes, receptor-meditated cytotoxicity, and enzymatic degradation of cellular components. Due to its antimicrobial potential, it has a significant role in preservation processes, inhibiting the development of food spoilage microbes, infective bacteria, and serves as an antibiotic agent against drug-resistant strains in traditional medicine. Bacteriocins are also used in farming and agriculture to control phytopathogens and promote plant growth. These compounds can be utilized in conjunction with antibiotics or as a substitute to reduce the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Bacteriocins can be exploited as next generation natural antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs to treat and prevent gastric ulcers by killing their causal microorganism. Currently, bacteriocin is also used in oral and vaginal infections.