From Plants to Microbes: Bioprospecting Phytobiotics for Next-Generation Natural Products

Dear Colleagues,

With growing concerns over the use of antibiotics and other synthetic chemicals, regarding the development of resistance and their persistence in the environment, phytobiotics represent promising alternatives in the search for sustainable and effective solutions to global challenges in plant and animal agriculture, aquaculture, and human healthcare. Bioactive compounds derived from plants offer a rich reservoir of natural products with antimicrobial, antioxidant, growth-promoting, and immunomodulatory properties that can serve as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals. Phytobiotics are gaining attention in agriculture as biopesticides against harmful pathogens, while preserving beneficial soil microbes, enhancing crop resilience and productivity. Their use aligns with integrated pest management strategies and supports the transition toward organic and regenerative farming practices. They also show promising potential in human healthcare, as they have been used for combating multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, a growing concern in clinical settings. Additionally, their antioxidant properties help mitigate oxidative stress, contributing to overall health and disease prevention.

Therefore, plant extracts offer natural scaffolds for developing new antimicrobial drugs. With continued research and responsible sourcing, these products could redefine how we manage pathogens, enhance agricultural practices, and develop next-generation therapeutics. This Special Issue aims to explore sustainable and effective solutions against microbial pathogens in both agricultural setups and human health. It will highlight methodologies for isolating and characterizing bioactive compounds, screening for antimicrobial or antioxidant activity, evaluating their toxicity, and developing new formulations and products. These efforts can be combined with innovative approaches in genomics, metagenomics, and metabolomics that may further accelerate the discovery of novel phytobiotics with targeted functions. In this context, the Special Issue welcomes reviews, original research articles, and short communications.

We look forward to your valuable contribution.

Dr. Panagiota Stathopoulou
Dr. Elias Asimakis
Guest Editors

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