Biotechnological Applications of Phage and Phage-Derived Proteins 2025

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Bacterial Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 17 March 2025 | Viewed by 2114

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Interests: bacteriophages; genetic and protein engineering; protein functional analysis; biotechnology; pharmaceutical
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bacteriophages, the viruses of bacteria, are recognized for their potential as antimicrobial agents since their discovery, roughly a century ago, but the early inadequately controlled trials, the poor knowledge on their biology and the discovery of antibiotics has slowed phage research. In recent years, the increasing problem of multidrug-resistant bacteria has renewed and heightened interest in the use of phages as antimicrobial agents.

The recent progress in sequencing technologies, DNA manipulation and synthetic biology has equipped scientists with the necessary tools to disclose and use the powerful armamentarium of proteins that phages possess to parasite bacteria. These proteins can be used ex-phage (isolated from the phage particle) or modified/added to design phages with improved and superior characteristics and functionalities which enabled the development of new powerful applications of phages and their proteins not only in therapeutics (as new source of antimicrobials, drug delivery systems and vaccines) but also in diagnostics and materials science (for the assembly of new materials). As new phage proteins are being discovered, new valuable biotechnological applications are envisaged.

With the wide array of possibilities offered by genetic engineering and its attracting intense interest coupled with the high potential of phages, this Special Issue will focus on new biotechnological applications of phage and their derived proteins, as well on the new strategies to obtain them. Bacteriophage therapy through the use of wild type phages (without any genetic modification) is out of focus of this special issue.

Dr. Silvio Santos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • bacteriophage
  • biotechnological applications
  • genetic engineering
  • antimicrobials
  • diagnostic

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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10 pages, 1135 KiB  
Review
Cyanophage Engineering for Algal Blooms Control
by Yujing Guo, Xiaoxiao Dong, Huiying Li, Yigang Tong, Zihe Liu and Jin Jin
Viruses 2024, 16(11), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16111745 - 6 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Cyanobacteria represent a prevalent category of photosynthetic autotrophs capable of generating deleterious algal blooms, commonly known as cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs). These blooms often produce cyanotoxins, which pose risks to public health and ecosystems by contaminating surface waters and drinking water sources. [...] Read more.
Cyanobacteria represent a prevalent category of photosynthetic autotrophs capable of generating deleterious algal blooms, commonly known as cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs). These blooms often produce cyanotoxins, which pose risks to public health and ecosystems by contaminating surface waters and drinking water sources. Traditional treatment methods have limited effectiveness. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new approach to effectively manage cyanoHABs. One promising approach is the use of cyanophages, which are viruses that specifically target cyanobacteria. Cyanophages serve as an effective biological control method for reducing cyanoHABs in aquatic systems. By engineering cyanophages, it is possible to develop a highly specific control strategy that minimally impacts non-target species and their propagation in the environment. This review explores the potential application of cyanophages as a strategy for controlling cyanoHABs. It includes the identification and isolation of broad-spectrum and novel cyanophages, with a specific focus on freshwater Microcystis cyanophages, highlighting their broad spectrum and high efficiency. Additionally, recent advancements in cyanophage engineering are discussed, including genome modification, functional gene identification, and the construction of artificial cyanophages. Furthermore, the current state of application is addressed. Cyanophage is a promising control strategy for effectively managing cyanoHABs in aquatic environments. Full article
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28 pages, 2919 KiB  
Systematic Review
Efficiency of Bacteriophage-Based Detection Methods for Non-Typhoidal Salmonella in Foods: A Systematic Review
by Preeda Phothaworn, Chatruthai Meethai, Wanchat Sirisarn and Janet Yakubu Nale
Viruses 2024, 16(12), 1840; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16121840 - 27 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Food contamination with non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) presents a significant public health risk, underscoring the critical need for rigorous food safety measures throughout the production, distribution, preparation, and consumption stages. Conventional diagnostic strategies are time-consuming and labor-intensive and are thus sub-optimal for throughput NTS [...] Read more.
Food contamination with non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) presents a significant public health risk, underscoring the critical need for rigorous food safety measures throughout the production, distribution, preparation, and consumption stages. Conventional diagnostic strategies are time-consuming and labor-intensive and are thus sub-optimal for throughput NTS detection. Bacteriophages (phages) are highly specialized bacterial viruses and exhibit extreme specificity for their hosts. This organic phage/bacterial interaction provides an invaluable tool that can potentially replace or complement existing S. enterica detection methods. Here, we explored work in this area and reviewed data from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and ScienceDirect up to 4 November 2024. Thirty-five studies were selected from 607 retrieved articles using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist to ensure quality. Salmonella enrichment, rapid detection, and effective recovery in diverse food sources for various NTS serovars were targeted. Utilizing phages as bio-probes alongside lateral flow immunoassays, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence, and electrochemistry assays enabled rapid and highly sensitive detection of NTS, achieving limits as low as 7 to 8 CFU/mL within 30 min. Balancing detection sensitivity with rapid analysis time is essential. Further research and development will be pivotal to overcoming challenges and maximizing the efficiency of NTS phage-based detection to ensure optimal food safety. Full article
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