Abstract (EN):
New sources of antimicrobial products need to be identified due to the existence and constant evolution
of resistant microorganisms and phenotypes, the emergence of new diseases, and the toxicity of some of
the current antimicrobials. Development of bacterial resistance, including multidrug resistance (MDR),
is unavoidable because it represents a particular aspect of the general microbial evolution. Due to the
increased bacterial resistance to conventional antimicrobials, new products need to be discovered and
developed. In this context, phytochemicals have already demonstrated their potential as antibacterials
when used alone, and as synergists/potentiators of less effective antibacterial products. Moreover,
recent studies have demonstrated that phytochemicals can be used where bacterial resistance
mechanisms, such as MDR, make conventional treatments ineffective and also in the control of
biofilms. The aim of this review is to cover the recent advances in phytochemical antibacterial activities
and their mode of action, as well as to indicate current developments in their control of MDR bacteria
and biofilms.
Idioma:
Inglês
Tipo (Avaliação Docente):
Científica
Contacto:
mvs@fe.up.pt