The Preservative Efficacy of Antimicrobial Proteins and Metabolites from Microorganisms, Animals and Plants as Potential Alternative to Chemical Food Preservation: A Review

Food is a source of nutrients and energy for humans and animals. Though food is assumed to be safe for consumption, it is highly susceptible for microbial contamination responsible for health risks and economic loss. This requires the mechanism that keep food fresh and safe for extended period of time. So far, in human history various physical and chemical methods have been employed to extend shelf life. Unfortunately, these methods are found to have a lot of drawbacks that pose problem on the quality and safety of the product beyond consumer need. Biological preservation using microbial, plant and animal derived metabolites and antimicrobial peptides has recently got considerable attention as the safest way of extending shelf life of food with no adverse effects on product quality. The antimicrobial efficiency of antimicrobial peptides and metabolites have been found to significantly inhibit the growth of potent food borne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. However, the efficacy of biological antimicrobial agents for food preservation is potentiated by combined application with fewer chemical preservatives with smart formulation of a series of hurdle called hurdle technology. In this review, reports on the efficacy of antimicrobial peptides and metabolites of microbes, plants and animals in preserving various food stuffs are well reviewed during independent application and as part of hurdle system. Keywords: Biological preservation, Food, Food quality, Hurdle technology, Microbial/plant/animal metabolites DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/87-05 Publication date:May 31st 201