Application of bacteriocins in food preservation and safety: A bibliometric analysis approach

The growing consumer demand for natural food preservatives has intensified research into bacteriocins, due to their potential to enhance food safety and preservation. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of bacteriocin research from 2003 to 2023, focusing on their applications in food preservation to identify critical trends, challenges, and future directions. The analysis revealed a significant publication increase with an annual growth rate of 9.89% with countries like China, Brazil, and India as the leaders in contributions. Also, journals like “Food Control” and “Journal of Applied Microbiology” were major dissemination platforms. The research predominantly fell under Food Science Technology and Microbiology, with foundational studies by Leverentz et al. and Hammami et al. receiving high citations. Despite challenges such as pH sensitivity, thermal stability, and regulatory hurdles, advances in nanotechnology and collaborative global research are enhancing bacteriocin stability and efficacy. The study also identified emerging research themes, including integrating bacteriocins into antimicrobial packaging and their combination with other antimicrobial agents. The findings underscore the potential of bacteriocins as natural preservatives, driven by consumer demand for minimally processed foods and the need for sustainable food preservation strategies. In conclusion, while bacteriocins show promise, overcoming application and regulatory challenges is necessary for their broader integration into food safety strategies, aligning to promote sustainable and effective food preservation solutions.