JOURNAL OF NEW DISCOVERY IN MICROBIOLOGY
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 3122-0207
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JNDM
Start Year: 2020
Email: jndim@integrityresjournals.org
Antimicrobial resistance menace: Bacteriocins as promising alternative to conventional antibiotics
https://doi.org/10.31248/JNDM2026.025 | Article Number: 798A0FC31 | Vol.3 (2) - September 2026
Received Date: 17 June 2026 | Accepted Date: 30 July 2026 | Published Date: 30 September 2026
Authors: Amhanriamhen, R. I.* , Onianwah, F. I. , Adeola, M. O. and Achuba, Ifeanyichukwu
Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, lactic acid bacteria, Alternative therapeutics, antibiofilm activity, bacteriocins, ESKAPE pathogens, multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global public health challenge, driven by the widespread misuse of antibiotics in human medicine, agriculture, and animal production. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, particularly members of the ESKAPE group, has significantly reduced the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial therapies and necessitated the development of alternative treatment strategies. This review critically evaluates bacteriocins as promising bioactive alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Relevant literature on bacteriocin classification, mechanisms of action, antimicrobial activities, therapeutic applications, and associated challenges was systematically examined. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesised antimicrobial peptides produced by diverse bacterial species, particularly lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and exhibit potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antibiofilm, and anticancer activities. Their antimicrobial effects are mediated through mechanisms including membrane pore formation, inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis, induction of cell lysis, and interference with essential cellular processes. Evidence has demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Listeria monocytogenes, and Gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, synergistic interactions between bacteriocins and conventional antibiotics enhance antimicrobial efficacy against resistant pathogens and biofilm-associated infections. Despite their promising therapeutic potential, challenges such as narrow antimicrobial spectra, proteolytic degradation, limited in vivo stability, high production costs, and regulatory constraints continue to limit clinical application. Advances in peptide engineering, genomics, nanotechnology, and targeted delivery systems offer opportunities to overcome these limitations. Overall, bacteriocins represent a viable and sustainable strategy for combating AMR and may contribute substantially to future antimicrobial stewardship and global public health interventions.
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