Bacteriocin Classification, Prediction and Applications

Bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria are gene-coded small bacterial proteins that offer advantages to the producer strains. Initially discovered almost 100 years ago, bacteriocins vary in size and structure with and without post-translational modifications. This chapter describes the classification, prediction, and applications of bacteriocins. There are various classification schemes for bacteriocins. The most recent universal classification is proposed based on polypeptide chain bonding patterns. The four universal classes can readily be expanded once a new peptide bonding pattern is discovered. The peptide discovery is accelerated as a consequence of recent construction of databases and development of shallow and deep leaning methods. This includes bacteriocin gene cluster mining in sequenced bacterial genomes. Also highlighted are production and applications of bacteriocins as food preservatives, novel antibiotics, anti-HIV, and anticancer peptides.