Bacteriocins for agriculture and aquaculture

Background. The aggravation of the problem of antimicrobial resistance caused by the irrational use of antibiotics in agriculture and aquaculture necessitates the search for sustainable and safe alternatives. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides of bacterial origin. A class of natural compounds for combating resistant pathogens with minimal environmental impact. This review explores the complex potential of using bacteriocins as an alternative to antibiotics. A detailed analysis of the structural diversity, classification approaches, and established mechanisms of antimicrobial action was carried out, including disruption of cell membrane integrity, inhibition of cell wall synthesis, and inhibition of nucleic acid and protein production. Key bacteriocin-producing genera (Bacillus, Streptomyces, and Pseudomonas) and their biologically active metabolites have been identified. The analysis of bacteriocins’ use in agriculture, in particular their role as agents of biocontrol of phytopathogens, plant growth promoters, as well as means of improving the health and productivity of farm animals and birds. Their potential in aquaculture for disease control (directed against pathogens such as Vibrio spp., Aeromonas spp., Yersinia ruckeri), water quality improvement, and feed conservation is considered, which helps reduce dependence on the preventive use of antibiotics. Despite significant achievements, challenges remain related to in vivo efficacy assessment, development of delivery systems, the possibility of resistance development, and regulatory aspects. Addressing these issues is a key condition for realizing the potential of bacteriocins as environmentally sound tools for ensuring food security and sustainable development of terrestrial and aquaculture systems.

Purpose. The aim of this review is to comprehensively analyze the potential of bacteriocins as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics in agriculture and aquaculture. This involves summarizing current knowledge on their structural diversity, classification, mechanisms of antimicrobial action, key producer genera, and practical applications in crop production, livestock farming, and aquaculture disease management.

Materials and methods. This study is a descriptive review. The material for the analysis was composed of contemporary scientific literature sourced from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The methodology included a systematic search, selection, and critical analysis of publications focusing on bacteriocin production, classification, mechanisms of action, and their applications in terrestrial and aquatic agricultural systems. The review synthesizes data from in vitro and in vivo studies to present a holistic overview of the field.

Results. The analysis reveals the significant structural and functional diversity of bacteriocins, which can be classified into several classes (e.g., lantibiotics, unmodified peptides) based on genetic and structural criteria. Their antimicrobial mechanisms are multifaceted, primarily involving pore formation in target cell membranes, inhibition of cell wall synthesis (e.g., via lipid II binding), and disruption of nucleic acid and protein synthesis. Key soil-derived genera, including Bacillus, Streptomyces, and Pseudomonas, are prolific producers of diverse bacteriocins with activity against major plant, animal, and aquatic pathogens (e.g., Listeria, MRSA, Aeromonas, and Vibrio). In agriculture, bacteriocins demonstrate potential as biocontrol agents against phytopathogens and as plant growth promoters. In aquaculture, their applications span disease control, water quality improvement, feed preservation, and use as probiotic supplements, contributing to enhanced animal health and reduced reliance on prophylactic antibiotics.

Conclusion. Bacteriocins emerge as a highly promising and environmentally sound tool for enhancing the sustainability and productivity of both terrestrial and aquatic agricultural systems. Their targeted activity against key pathogens, role in biocontrol and growth stimulation, and ability to preserve product quality with minimal impact on beneficial microbiota underscore their potential. However, translating this potential into practical, scalable solutions necessitates addressing several challenges. Future efforts must focus on robust in vivo efficacy testing, the development of effective delivery systems, understanding the risks of resistance development, and navigating the regulatory landscape. Interdisciplinary research is crucial to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and field application.