What is the Difference Between Bacteriocin and Antibiotic?

Bacteriocins and antibiotics are both antibacterial substances, but they have some differences in their properties, mode of action, and production. Here are the key differences between bacteriocins and antibiotics:

1. Origin: Bacteriocins are proteinaceous toxins produced by bacteria against closely related bacterial strains, while antibiotics are antibacterial agents that target a broader range of bacteria.
2. Production: Bacteriocins are synthesized ribosomally and considered as primary metabolites, whereas antibiotics are a type of secondary metabolites.
3. Mode of Action: Bacteriocins are high molecular weight peptides produced by the translation process, while antibiotics are low molecular weight secondary metabolites.
4. Spectrum of Activity: Bacteriocins generally have a narrow spectrum of activity, being active against species phylogenetically related to the bacteriocin-producing strain. In contrast, antibiotics have a broader range of activity, targeting many types of bacteria.
5. Resistance Development: Bacteriocins may be more susceptible to protease sensitization due to their peptide backbone, while antibiotics can trigger microbiota imbalances (dysbiosis) induced by broad-range killing of bacteria.
6. Side Effects: Bacteriocins are considered to provide more protection with no side effects and low/no cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cells, while antibiotics can have various side effects.

In summary, bacteriocins are proteinaceous antibacterial substances produced by bacteria with a narrow spectrum of activity, while antibiotics are antibacterial agents with a broader range of activity and potential side effects. Bacteriocins have advantages over antibiotics in terms of reduced side effects and cytotoxicity, making them potential candidates for alternative antimicrobial therapies.

Comparative Table: Bacteriocin vs Antibiotic

Here is a table comparing the differences between bacteriocins and antibiotics:

Both bacteriocins and antibiotics are antibacterial substances produced by bacteria, but they differ in their mode of synthesis, spectrum of activity, and potential applications.