Harnessing Mediterranean Halophytes as Sustainable Bio-Factories: Tackling Microbial Challenges Across the Agrifood Chain

The Mediterranean basin is a global biodiversity hotspot characterized by a high frequency of halophytic flora, which have evolved specialized metabolic adaptations to thrive under hypersaline, drought, and high-UV conditions. These physiological mechanisms facilitate the biosynthesis of diverse secondary metabolites, which have garnered significant attention for their antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This review critically evaluates the antimicrobial potential of nine prominent Mediterranean halophytes, namely Cakile maritima, Crithmum maritimum, Eryngium maritimum, Juncus acutus, Juncus maritimus, Limbarda crithmoides, Otanthus maritimus, Pancratium maritimum, and Salicornia europaea, synthesizing data on their phytochemical profiles and efficacy against foodborne, clinical, and agricultural pathogens. The findings indicate that several extracts and essential oils exhibit potent inhibitory effects, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values often comparable to or even lower than those of established antibiotics, notably against Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp., and various Candida species. These halophyte extracts are also used successfully to control microbial contamination in the production of plant- and animal-based foods. Despite the significant potential for agricultural and food sectors, full commercialization requires addressing challenges related to field-level efficacy, formulation stability, and comprehensive toxicological safety. Overall, this study underlines the role of Mediterranean halophytes as resilient bio-factories capable of providing sustainable, natural solutions to pressing antimicrobial resistance and food security challenges.