# Plant-Derived Phytobiotics as Emerging Alternatives to Antibiotics Against Foodborne Pathogens
###### Abstract  
Growing consumer awareness of clean labels is driving demand for preservative-free products yet concerns about foodborne pathogens and microbiological safety remain significant. Plant-derived compounds with bioactive properties--phytobiotics--have emerged as promising alternatives or complements to conventional antimicrobial agents. This review discusses phytobiotics, including essential oils, polyphenols, alkaloids, and organosulfur compounds, highlighting their structural diversity and antimicrobial potential. Phytobiotics combat foodborne pathogens by disrupting cell structures, inhibiting biofilms and quorum sensing, and interfering with genetic and protein synthesis. Importantly, some phytobiotics exhibit synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics or other natural agents, enhancing overall antimicrobial efficacy. The impact of phytobiotics on the microbiota of food products and the gastrointestinal tract is also addressed, with attention to both beneficial modulation and possible unintended effects. Practical applications in food preservation and supplementation are analyzed, as well as challenges related to composition variability, stability, and interactions with food matrices. Nevertheless, modern technologies such as nanoencapsulation, complexation with polysaccharides, and advanced extraction methods are being developed to address these challenges and enhance the stability and bioavailability of phytobiotics. Continued investment in research and innovation is essential to fully harness the potential of phytobiotics in ensuring safe, natural, and sustainable food systems. phytobiotics; foodborne pathogens; natural antimicrobials; phytochemicals; phytogenics +
Footnote †: journal: Applied sciences  
0
Footnote †: journal: Applied sciences  
a positive impact on animal health and growth performance. Owing to their immune system impact, phytobiotics can modulate the immune response of organisms by activating relevant genes, which increases animals' resistance to diseases. They also improve the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota, promoting better absorption of nutrients, higher feed efficiency, and better weight gain. In poultry, fish, and swine farming, phytobiotics are a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially after the ban on their use in the swine industry, where they not only support health but also increase animal productivity by eliminating the risk of developing resistance. Phytobiotics can be utilized in various forms, including solid, dried, ground, or as extracts, either in crude or concentrated form [1; 2; 3]. Beyond their application in animal production, phytobiotics are increasingly studied as natural preservatives in food systems. Because of their antimicrobial properties and efficacy against various pathogens, phytobiotics have recently gained attention as an alternative to synthetic preservatives in food protection. They have been shown to be effective against a variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, helping to extend the shelf life of food products and ensure food safety [1; 2; 4; 5]. Moreover, they do not cause resistance, thus making them a safe and sustainable solution compared to traditional antibiotics. This is particularly important considering the increase in food-borne infections caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms observed in recent years, which poses a serious public health challenge. Among the most common pathogens found in food are _Campylobacter_ spp., _Salmonella_ spp., _Escherichia coli_, and _Listeria monocytogenes_. These bacteria are not only widespread in the food chain but also often show resistance to key classes of antibiotics. For example, _Campylobacter_ spp. show resistance to quinolones and macrolides, _Salmonella_ spp. to quinolones and cephalospor, while _E. coli_ often has resistance mechanisms to \(\beta\)-lactams. Also of particular concern is the multidrug resistance of _L. monocytogenes_, which limits the options for effective treatment of infections caused by this pathogen [6; 7; 8; 9].