Classification of Bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria and Their Mode of Action

Antimicrobial peptides known as bacteriocins are produced by bacteria, mainly by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Due to the great potential of these molecules as immunomodulators, antimicrobials, and anticancer agents, researchers are constantly looking for new bacteriocins produced by different species of LABs. Since these peptides have diverse characteristics, structures, mechanisms of action, biochemical properties, activity spectra, and target cells, the classification of bacteriocins is challenging. This chapter presents bacteriocins categorised according to their genetic and biochemical properties, the existence of disulphide or monosulphide bonds, molecular weight, thermal stability, proteolytic enzymatic stability, the presence or absence of amino acid post-translational modification linkages, and antimicrobial activity. Although different classifications secreted by LAB have been proposed, here we summarise the more accepted by the scientific community according to the latest scientific evidence.