Mechanisms of Enhancing Bacteriocin Synthesis by Members of the Lactobacillaceae

Background: Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are natural antimicrobial peptides capable of effectively inhibiting the growth of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Their application in the food, medical, and biotechnological industries requires stable and high-yield production. Enhancing the productivity of producer strains is a key factor for expanding the industrial use of bacteriocins.

Purpose: A comparative analysis of biochemical, technological, and genetic factors affecting bacteriocin yield in members of the Lactobacillaceae family, with a focus on practical strategies to enhance their synthesis.

Manerials and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA protocol, covering publications from 2015–2025. The study analyzed the effects of cultivation conditions (pH, temperature, medium composition, agitation rate), carbon and nitrogen sources, and interspecies microbial interactions. Special attention was given to genetic engineering, including regulated expression systems and CRISPR-Cas9. Co-culturing methods and quorum-sensing inducers were also evaluated.

Results: Optimization of the growth medium, selection of carbohydrate and nitrogen supplements, and the use of biological inducers (PlnA, AI-2) were found to increase bacteriocin yield by 30–70%. Co-cultivation with Bacillus subtilis enhanced the expression of gene clusters regulating plantaricin synthesis. Heterologous expression using nisin-based systems enabled the production of active PlnJ and PlnK peptides with pronounced antimicrobial activity. Analysis of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains revealed that maximum cell density, achieved between 28 and 34 hours, correlated with peak bacteriocin production. Genetic engineering technologies, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, demonstrated high potential for improving production strains.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that a combined approach can significantly increase bacteriocin yields. A rational strategy, tailored to strain characteristics, production goals, and technical feasibility, ensures efficient scalability without increasing production costs.

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