Viable but Non-Culturable (VBNC) Bacteria: Mechanisms, Detection, Resuscitation, Applications, and Future Perspectives

This project presents a comprehensive review of the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state in bacteria, a unique physiological condition in which bacterial cells remain metabolically active but fail to grow on routine culture media. The review synthesizes current scientific evidence on the molecular mechanisms underlying VBNC state induction and maintenance, environmental and physiological factors that trigger its formation, and the genetic and biochemical pathways involved. The project also evaluates conventional and advanced methods for detecting VBNC bacteria, including culture-independent molecular and imaging techniques, and discusses mechanisms of bacterial resuscitation under favorable conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on the public health, clinical, food safety, and environmental significance of VBNC bacteria, as these organisms may evade routine microbiological detection while retaining the potential to regain culturability and pathogenicity. This work aims to provide researchers, microbiologists, and public health professionals with an up-to-date synthesis of current knowledge, identify existing research gaps, and highlight future directions for improving the detection, monitoring, and understanding of VBNC bacteria.