Bacteriocins Produced by Probiotic Microorganisms

Abstract Probiotics are useful microorganisms that can colonize the host and have a positive effect on the health of the host. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, Bacillus, and Escherichia coli are probiotic microorganisms with known health benefits. Compounds such as amino acids, vitamins, bacteriocins, enzymes, immunomodulatory compounds, and short-chain fatty acids produced by probiotics help one to digest foods and inhibit pathogenic bacteria, thereby preserving the natural microflora in the intestines. Bacteriocins, one of these compounds, are primary or modified extracellular active proteins that are ribosomally synthesized by microorganisms, having bactericidal properties in a partially narrow spectrum. Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria are considered as natural preservatives or biopreservatives. Unlike conventional antibiotics, they can be degraded by proteases in the gastrointestinal tract. In this chapter, bacteriocins produced by probiotic Lactobacilli and other probiotic microorganisms, their structural properties and their effects will be discussed.