Antimicrobial Activity of Eel Mucus: A Review

Abstract

Epidermal fish mucus contains a wide range of bioactive metabolites involved with the defence mechanism. This review explores the potential of eel mucus extract for its antagonistic potential against common pathogenic microbes, which are commonly implicated in foodborne and human infections. The ability to adhere and invade the host cell and disarm the growth of other pathogenic microbes will also be discussed. Modes of action for eel mucus, including the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the bioactive metabolites, shall also be explored. Thus, this overview represents the potent bioactivities of mucus extracted from eel, which could be further explored as an alternative to antibiotics or synthetic drug agents.