African Journal of
Microbiology Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Microbiol. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0808
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJMR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 5236

Review

Bacteriocins of Gram-positive bacteria: Features and biotherapeutic approach

David Francisco Lafuente-Rincon
  • David Francisco Lafuente-Rincon
  • Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Autonomous University of Nuevo León. Av. Universidad s/n, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León 66451, Mexico.
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Tania Elizabeth Velasquez Chavez
  • Tania Elizabeth Velasquez Chavez
  • Bioprospecting and Bioprocessing, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Autonomous University of Coahuila. Blvd, Torreón-Matamoros Km. 7.5. Torreón, Coahuila 27276, México.
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Norma M. De la Fuente-Salcido*
  • Norma M. De la Fuente-Salcido*
  • Bioprospecting and Bioprocessing, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Autonomous University of Coahuila. Blvd, Torreón-Matamoros Km. 7.5. Torreón, Coahuila 27276, México.
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  •  Received: 08 November 2016
  •  Accepted: 25 November 2016
  •  Published: 07 December 2016

Abstract

Bacteriocins are potent antimicrobial peptides produced by every bacterial and archeal species reported to date. The most studied are bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and many species of Bacillus. Knowledge on the classification, biosynthesis and transport of these peptides is changing continually because the discovery and characterization of new bacteriocins increases, thus, the research reports increase at the same rate. The bacteriocins are considered the most promising molecules with enormous possibilities and realities for the design of improved antibiotics possessing specific characteristics, mostly against antibiotic resistant bacteria. Here, current information on the generalities, classification proposals, biosynthesis and transport systems involved in the bacteriocins secretion is review. Finally, this review will focus on the new approaches for its application in veterinary medicine and human health.

Key words: Bacteriocin, biotherapeutic, resistant bacteria, human health.