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Antibiotics
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Microbial Natural Products as a Source of Novel Antimicrobials, 2nd...
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Microbial Natural Products as a Source of Novel Antimicrobials, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382). This special issue belongs to the section "Novel Antimicrobial Agents".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 2156

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Patricia Branco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. BIORG—Bioengineering and Sustainability Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Lusofona University, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
2. Linking Landscape Environment Agriculture and Food Research Center (LEAF), Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: biopreservatives; bioactive compounds; antimicrobial peptides; antimicrobial; antioxidant
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Elisabete Muchagato Mauricio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. BIORG—Bioengineering and Sustainability Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Lusofona University, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
2. CBIOS—Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies, Universidade Lusófona, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: formulation of cosmetics; health products and nutraceutics; antimicrobial natural products; new ingredients from byproducts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We have published a successful Special Issue titled “Microbial Natural Products as a Source of Novel Antimicrobials”. This result encouraged us to open a second edition on the same topic.

Microbial natural products are of great interest in the development of new antimicrobial agents. In recent decades, several microbial secondary metabolites, such as antimicrobial peptides, bacteriocins, and mycocins, have been identified for their potential applications in the food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. However, only a few, like nisin and natamycin in food products, have been adopted as viable alternatives to traditional antimicrobial agents.

It is essential to meet the increasing demand for natural and eco-friendly biocides and preservatives in food, crops, and cosmetics, while also advancing the development and implementation of novel, less toxic, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.

This second edition still seeks reviews, research papers, and communications that can improve on the existing knowledge about microbial natural products with the potential to be an effective and less toxic alternative to the usual antibiotics, biocides, or chemical preservatives used nowadays. Thus, research related to the discovery of antimicrobial peptides, bacteriocins, and mycocins and their mode of action and application in food safety, food microbial control, agriculture, cosmetics, and human and animal health is welcome.

We encourage you to read the published papers in the first Special Issue entitled Microbial Natural Products as a Source of Novel Antimicrobials.

Dr. Patricia Branco
Dr. Elisabete Muchagato Mauricio
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antimicrobial peptides
  • mycocins
  • bacteriocins
  • antimicrobial activity
  • biopreservatives

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 3918 KiB  
Article
Postbiotic-Based Extracts from Native Probiotic Strains: A Promising Strategy for Food Preservation and Antimicrobial Defense
by Diana Molina, Ioana C. Marinas, Evelyn Angamarca, Anamaria Hanganu, Miruna Stan, Mariana C. Chifiriuc and Gabriela N. Tenea
Antibiotics 2025, 14(3), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14030318 - 18 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1015
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The deterioration of food quality and safety is often linked to the presence of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. Postbiotics, including organic acids, enzymes, and bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), have emerged as promising next-generation food preservatives. This study investigates [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The deterioration of food quality and safety is often linked to the presence of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. Postbiotics, including organic acids, enzymes, and bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), have emerged as promising next-generation food preservatives. This study investigates the biological and physicochemical properties of several postbiotic-based extracts (PBEs) comprising cell-free supernatant (CFS) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) fractions derived from three native probiotic strains: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UTNGt2, Lactococcus lactis UTNGt28, and Weissella cibaria UTNGt21O. Methods: The antibacterial activity of these PBEs was assessed against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli L1PEag1. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity along with the characterization of these formulations was assessed. Results: FU6 (CFS UTNGt28: EPS UTNGt2) and FU13 (CFS UTNGt21O) were found as the most potent formulations. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed dose- and time-dependent damage to the bacterial membrane and cell wall. FU6 exhibited superior antioxidant activity and lacked hemolytic effects, whereas both FU6 and FU13 induced cell-specific responses in HEK293 (human kidney) and HT-29 (intestinal mucus-producing) cell lines. Furthermore, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy identified characteristic absorption bands corresponding to proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, while proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy revealed key monosaccharides, amino acids, and metabolites such as lactate and acetate within the extracts. Conclusions: FU6 and FU13 demonstrate potential as safe and effective postbiotic formulations at non-concentrated doses. However, further research is required to elucidate their molecular composition comprehensively and evaluate their applicability for broader and long-term use in food preservation and pharmaceutical development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Natural Products as a Source of Novel Antimicrobials, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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33 pages, 3365 KiB  
Review
Colourful Protection: Challenges and Perspectives of Antibacterial Pigments Extracted from Bacteria for Textile Applications
by Micaela Gomes, Helena P. Felgueiras, Barbara R. Leite and Graça M. B. Soares
Antibiotics 2025, 14(5), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14050520 - 17 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 804
Abstract
Bacterial pigments have gained significant attention across multiple industries due to their natural hues and unique functional properties. Beyond coloration, some of these pigments exhibit antibacterial activity, making them particularly valuable in the textile industry as sustainable alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial treatments. Bacteria [...] Read more.
Bacterial pigments have gained significant attention across multiple industries due to their natural hues and unique functional properties. Beyond coloration, some of these pigments exhibit antibacterial activity, making them particularly valuable in the textile industry as sustainable alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial treatments. Bacteria produce a vast array of pigments through diverse biosynthetic pathways, which reflect their metabolic adaptability and ecological roles. These pathways are influenced by environmental factors such as pH, temperature, and nutrient availability. Key pigments, including carotenoids, melanin, violacein, and prodigiosin, are synthesised through distinct mechanisms, often involving tightly regulated enzymatic reactions. For example, carotenoid biosynthesis relies on isoprenoid precursors, while melanin formation involves the oxidation of aromatic amino acids. Understanding these pathways provides insights into bacterial survival strategies, stress responses, and interactions with their environment. This review examines the dyeing potential of bacterial pigments on natural and synthetic fabrics, highlighting advancements in environmentally friendly extraction methods to minimise the ecological impact. Additionally, it explores safety, biocompatibility, and industrial challenges associated with bacterial pigment applications. Finally, future perspectives on integrating these pigments into various industries are discussed, emphasising their potential as bio-based solutions for sustainable and functional materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Natural Products as a Source of Novel Antimicrobials, 2nd Edition)
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