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Biofilms in Surgical Site Infections: Recent Advances and Novel Prevention and Eradication Strategies. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11010069. [PMID: 35052946 PMCID: PMC8773207 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common postoperative occurrences due to contamination of the surgical wound or implanted medical devices with community or hospital-acquired microorganisms, as well as other endogenous opportunistic microbes. Despite numerous rules and guidelines applied to prevent these infections, SSI rates are considerably high, constituting a threat to the healthcare system in terms of morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and death. Approximately 80% of human SSIs, including chronic wound infections, are related to biofilm-forming bacteria. Biofilm-associated SSIs are extremely difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics due to several tolerance mechanisms provided by the multidrug-resistant bacteria, usually arranged as polymicrobial communities. In this review, novel strategies to control, i.e., prevent and eradicate, biofilms in SSIs are presented and discussed, focusing mainly on two attractive approaches: the use of nanotechnology-based composites and natural plant-based products. An overview of new therapeutic agents and strategic approaches to control epidemic multidrug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, particularly when biofilms are present, is provided alongside other combinatorial approaches as attempts to obtain synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics and restore their efficacy to treat biofilm-mediated SSIs. Some detection and real-time monitoring systems to improve biofilm control strategies and diagnosis of human infections are also discussed.
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52
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El Haddad L, Mendoza JF, Jobin C. Bacteriophage-mediated manipulations of microbiota in gastrointestinal diseases. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1055427. [PMID: 36466675 PMCID: PMC9714271 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1055427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although some gastrointestinal diseases could be managed using various antibiotics regimen, this therapeutic approach lacks precision and damages the microbiota. Emerging literature suggests that phages may play a key role in restoring the gut microbiome balance and controlling disease progression either with exogenous phage intervention or filtered fecal transplantation or even engineered phages. In this review, we will discuss the current phage applications aiming at controlling the bacterial population and preventing infection, inflammation, and cancer progression in the context of gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn El Haddad
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jesus F Mendoza
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Christian Jobin
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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53
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Meile S, Du J, Dunne M, Kilcher S, Loessner MJ. Engineering therapeutic phages for enhanced antibacterial efficacy. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 52:182-191. [PMID: 34952266 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance coupled with a lack of innovation in antibiotics has renewed interest in the development of alternative therapies to combat bacterial infections. Despite phage therapy demonstrating success in various individual cases, a comprehensive and unequivocal demonstration of the therapeutic potential of phages remains to be shown. The co-evolution of phages and their bacterial hosts resulted in several inherent limitations for the use of natural phages as therapeutics such as restricted host range, moderate antibacterial efficacy, and frequent emergence of phage-resistance. However, these constraints can be overcome by leveraging recent advances in synthetic biology and genetic engineering to provide phages with additional therapeutic capabilities, improved safety profiles, and adaptable host ranges. Here, we examine different ways phages can be engineered to deliver heterologous therapeutic payloads to enhance their antibacterial efficacy and discuss their versatile applicability to combat bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Meile
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jiemin Du
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthew Dunne
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Kilcher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
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54
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Mgomi FC, Yuan L, Chen CW, Zhang YS, Yang ZQ. Bacteriophages: A weapon against mixed-species biofilms in the food processing environment. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 133:2107-2121. [PMID: 34932868 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mixed-species biofilms represent the most frequent actual lifestyles of microorganisms in food processing environments, and they are usually more resistant to control methods than single-species biofilms. The persistence of biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens is believed to cause serious human diseases. These challenges have encouraged researchers to search for novel, natural methods that are more effective towards mixed-species biofilms. Recently, the use of bacteriophages to control mixed-species biofilms have grown significantly in the food industry as an alternative to conventional methods. This review highlights a comprehensive introduction of mixed-species biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens and their enhanced resistance to anti-biofilm removal strategies. Additionally, several methods for controlling mixed-species biofilms briefly focused on applying bacteriophages in the food industry have also been discussed. This article concludes by suggesting that using bacteriophage, combined with other 'green' methods, could effectively control mixed-species biofilms in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedrick C Mgomi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225127, PR China
| | - Lei Yuan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225127, PR China
| | - Cao-Wei Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225127, PR China
| | - Yuan-Song Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225127, PR China
| | - Zhen-Quan Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225127, PR China
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55
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Dawan J, Ahn J. Assessment of phage-mediated control of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium during the transition from planktonic to biofilm cells. Microb Pathog 2021; 162:105365. [PMID: 34921957 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the abilities of phage P22 to lyse, eradiate, and disperse the biofilm cells of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 19585 (STWT), ciprofloxacin-induced Typhimurium ATCC 19585 (STCIP), S. Typhimurium KCCM 40253 (STKCCM), and multidrug-resistant S. Typhimurium CCARM 8009 (STCCARM) in association with hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, motility, protein content, extracellular DNA, and depolymerase activity. The affinity to hexadecane was significantly increased in STWT, STKCCM, and STCCARM cells after P22 infection. All strains tested showed relatively higher auto-aggregation abilities in the presence of P22 than the absence of P22. STKCCM showed the greatest auto-aggregative ability (23%) in the presence of P22, while STWT showed the least auto-aggregative ability (9%) in the absence of P22. The bacterial swimming motility affected the bacterial attachment at the early stage of biofilm formation. The red, dry and rough morphotype was observed for all strains tested. The numbers of STWT, STCIP, and STKCCM planktonic cells were considerably reduced by 7.2, 5.0, and 5.0 log CFU/ml, respectively, and STWT, STCIP, and STKCCM biofilm-forming cells were reduced by 5.8, 4.5, and 4.9 log, respectively, after 24 h of phage infection. The depolymerase produced by phages were confirmed by the presence of outer rim of plaques. Phages could be considered as promising alternatives for the control of biofilms due to their advantages including enzymatic degradation of extracellular biofilm matrix. The study would provide useful information for understanding the dynamic interactions between phages and biofilms and also designing the effective phage-based control system as an alterative strategy against biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirapat Dawan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhee Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Science and Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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56
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Formation and development of biofilm- an alarming concern in food safety perspectives. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2021.102210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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57
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Amankwah S, Abdella K, Kassa T. Bacterial Biofilm Destruction: A Focused Review On The Recent Use of Phage-Based Strategies With Other Antibiofilm Agents. Nanotechnol Sci Appl 2021; 14:161-177. [PMID: 34548785 PMCID: PMC8449863 DOI: 10.2147/nsa.s325594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are bacterial communities that live in association with biotic or abiotic surfaces and enclosed in an extracellular polymeric substance. Their formation on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, including human tissue and medical device surfaces, pose a major threat causing chronic infections. In addition, current antibiotics and antiseptic agents have shown limited ability to completely remove biofilms. In this review, the authors provide an overview on the formation of bacterial biofilms and its characteristics, burden and evolution with phages. Moreover, the most recent possible use of phages and phage-derived enzymes to combat bacteria in biofilm structures is elucidated. From the emerging results, it can be concluded that despite successful use of phages and phage-derived products in destroying biofilms, they are mostly not adequate to eradicate all bacterial cells. Nevertheless, a combined therapy with the use of phages and/or phage-derived products with other antimicrobial agents including antibiotics, nanoparticles, and antimicrobial peptides may be effective approaches to remove biofilms from medical device surfaces and to treat their associated infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Amankwah
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Accra Medical Centre, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kedir Abdella
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Kassa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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58
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Li X, He Y, Wang Z, Wei J, Hu T, Si J, Tao G, Zhang L, Xie L, Abdalla AE, Wang G, Li Y, Teng T. A combination therapy of Phages and Antibiotics: Two is better than one. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3573-3582. [PMID: 34512166 PMCID: PMC8416725 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence of antibiotic resistance presents a major setback to global health, and shortage of antibiotic pipelines has created an urgent need for development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is considered as a potential approach for treatment of the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) refers to sublethal concentrations of certain antibiotics that enhance release of progeny phages from bacterial cells. A combination of phages and antibiotics is a promising strategy to reduce the dose of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic resistance during treatment. In this review, we highlight the state-of-the-art advancements of PAS studies, including the analysis of bacterial-killing enhancement, bacterial resistance reduction, and anti-biofilm effect, at both in vitro and in vivo levels. A comprehensive review of the genetic and molecular mechanisms of phage antibiotic synergy is provided, and synthetic biology approaches used to engineer phages, and design novel therapies and diagnostic tools are discussed. In addition, the role of engineered phages in reducing pathogenicity of bacteria is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghui Li
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yuhua He
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Zhili Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jiacun Wei
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Tongxin Hu
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jiangzhe Si
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Guangzhao Tao
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Longxiang Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Abualgasim Elgaili Abdalla
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 2014, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guoying Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yanzhang Li
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Tieshan Teng
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
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59
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Figueiredo CM, Malvezzi Karwowski MS, da Silva Ramos RCP, de Oliveira NS, Peña LC, Carneiro E, Freitas de Macedo RE, Rosa EAR. Bacteriophages as tools for biofilm biocontrol in different fields. BIOFOULING 2021; 37:689-709. [PMID: 34304662 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.1955866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbial biofilms are difficult to control due to the limited accessibility that antimicrobial drugs and chemicals have to the entrapped inner cells. The extracellular matrix, binds water, contributes to altered cell physiology within biofilms and act as a barrier for most antiproliferative molecules. Thus, new strategies need to be developed to overcome biofilm vitality. In this review, based on 223 documents, the advantages, recommendations, and limitations of using bacteriophages as 'biofilm predators' are presented. The plausibility of using phages (bacteriophages and mycoviruses) to control biofilms grown in different environments is also discussed. The topics covered here include recent historical experiences in biofilm control/eradication using phages in medicine, dentistry, veterinary, and food industries, the pros and cons of their use, and the development of microbial resistance/immunity to such viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lorena Caroline Peña
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Everdan Carneiro
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro Rosa
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Animal Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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60
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Gibb B, Hyman P, Schneider CL. The Many Applications of Engineered Bacteriophages-An Overview. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070634. [PMID: 34208847 PMCID: PMC8308837 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their independent discovery by Frederick Twort in 1915 and Felix d’Herelle in 1917, bacteriophages have captured the attention of scientists for more than a century. They are the most abundant organisms on the planet, often outnumbering their bacterial hosts by tenfold in a given environment, and they constitute a vast reservoir of unexplored genetic information. The increased prevalence of antibiotic resistant pathogens has renewed interest in the use of naturally obtained phages to combat bacterial infections, aka phage therapy. The development of tools to modify phages, genetically or chemically, combined with their structural flexibility, cargo capacity, ease of propagation, and overall safety in humans has opened the door to a myriad of applications. This review article will introduce readers to many of the varied and ingenious ways in which researchers are modifying phages to move them well beyond their innate ability to target and kill bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Gibb
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Theobald Science Center, Room 423, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000, USA
- Correspondence: (B.G.); (C.L.S.)
| | - Paul Hyman
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, 401 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805, USA;
| | - Christine L. Schneider
- Department of Life Sciences, Carroll University, 100 North East Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186, USA
- Correspondence: (B.G.); (C.L.S.)
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61
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Blackman LD, Qu Y, Cass P, Locock KES. Approaches for the inhibition and elimination of microbial biofilms using macromolecular agents. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:1587-1616. [PMID: 33403373 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00986e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are complex three-dimensional structures formed at interfaces by the vast majority of bacteria and fungi. These robust communities have an important detrimental impact on a wide range of industries and other facets of our daily lives, yet their removal is challenging owing to the high tolerance of biofilms towards conventional antimicrobial agents. This key issue has driven an urgent search for new innovative antibiofilm materials. Amongst these emerging approaches are highly promising materials that employ aqueous-soluble macromolecules, including peptides, proteins, synthetic polymers, and nanomaterials thereof, which exhibit a range of functionalities that can inhibit biofilm formation or detach and destroy organisms residing within established biofilms. In this Review, we outline the progress made in inhibiting and removing biofilms using macromolecular approaches, including a spotlight on cutting-edge materials that respond to environmental stimuli for "on-demand" antibiofilm activity, as well as synergistic multi-action antibiofilm materials. We also highlight materials that imitate and harness naturally derived species to achieve new and improved biomimetic and biohybrid antibiofilm materials. Finally, we share some speculative insights into possible future directions for this exciting and highly significant field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis D Blackman
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Yue Qu
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia and Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Peter Cass
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
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62
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Serwer P, Wright ET, De La Chapa J, Gonzales CB. Basics for Improved Use of Phages for Therapy. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10060723. [PMID: 34208477 PMCID: PMC8234457 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-borne therapeutic phages and phage capsids increasingly reach therapeutic targets as they acquire more persistence, i.e., become more resistant to non-targeted removal from blood. Pathogenic bacteria are targets during classical phage therapy. Metastatic tumors are potential future targets, during use of drug delivery vehicles (DDVs) that are phage derived. Phage therapy has, to date, only sometimes been successful. One cause of failure is low phage persistence. A three-step strategy for increasing persistence is to increase (1) the speed of lytic phage isolation, (2) the diversity of phages isolated, and (3) the effectiveness and speed of screening phages for high persistence. The importance of high persistence-screening is illustrated by our finding here of persistence dramatically higher for coliphage T3 than for its relative, coliphage T7, in murine blood. Coliphage T4 is more persistent, long-term than T3. Pseudomonas chlororaphis phage 201phi2-1 has relatively low persistence. These data are obtained with phages co-inoculated and separately assayed. In addition, highly persistent phage T3 undergoes dispersal to several murine organs and displays tumor tropism in epithelial tissue (xenografted human oral squamous cell carcinoma). Dispersal is an asset for phage therapy, but a liability for phage-based DDVs. We propose increased focus on phage persistence—and dispersal—screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Serwer
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-210-567-3765
| | - Elena T. Wright
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA;
| | - Jorge De La Chapa
- Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA; (J.D.L.C.); (C.B.G.)
| | - Cara B. Gonzales
- Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA; (J.D.L.C.); (C.B.G.)
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63
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Chen Z, Guo Z, Lin H, Tian Y, Zhang P, Chen H, Wang Y, Shen Y. The feasibility of phage therapy for periodontitis. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:649-656. [PMID: 34098742 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis, a chronic progressive inflammation caused by plaque biofilm, is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. For certain refractory periodontitis cases, it is difficult to achieve a good curative effect using the existing periodontal treatment approaches, which may be due to periodontal pathogenic mechanism in the affected periodontal tissue that the host cannot resist and eliminate. Various pieces of evidence collectively revealed that most studies are focusing on phages in periodontal disease. Several studies have reported periodontitis treatment using phage therapy, highlighting its features including specificity, rapid propagation, and effectiveness on bacteriophage biofilms. In this study, we focus on these reports, aiming to lay the foundation for improved periodontal treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Chen
- Department of Periodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key laboratory of Basic & Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China
| | - Zhimin Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Hongbing Lin
- Department of Periodontics, School and hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Jilin Province, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yue Tian
- Department of Periodontics, School and hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Jilin Province, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Periodontics, School and hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Jilin Province, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Huishan Chen
- Department of Periodontics, School and hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Jilin Province, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- Department of Periodontics, School and hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Jilin Province, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yuqin Shen
- Department of Periodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key laboratory of Basic & Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China
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64
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Ding C, Yu Y, Zhou Q. Bacterial Vaginosis: Effects on reproduction and its therapeutics. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2021; 50:102174. [PMID: 34087449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection. A large amount of evidence shows that the anatomical scope of BV's pathogenic effect is far beyond the lower reproductive tract. BV is closely related to adverse reproductive outcomes, which may be due to the infection of the vaginal flora ascending to the upper genital tract. In addition, the incidence of BV is relatively high in infertile women. The vaginal microbiome also plays an important role in women's health and diseases. For most women, the normal vaginal microbiota is dominated by Lactobacillus, which can maintain a healthy vaginal environment by producing lactic acid, H2O2 and bacteriocin, etc. BV is characterized by the imbalanced vaginal flora. It changes the acidic environment that is normally dominated by Lactobacillus, and causes an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae. Studies have shown that bacterial infections in the vagina can spread to upper genital tract and cause adverse fertility outcome. Therefore, early diagnosis and therapeutics of symptomatic BV is helpful to improve the outcome of poor fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfeng Ding
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yongsheng Yu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qian Zhou
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Łobocka M, Dąbrowska K, Górski A. Engineered Bacteriophage Therapeutics: Rationale, Challenges and Future. BioDrugs 2021; 35:255-280. [PMID: 33881767 PMCID: PMC8084836 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-021-00480-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The current problems with increasing bacterial resistance to antibacterial therapies, resulting in a growing frequency of incurable bacterial infections, necessitates the acceleration of studies on antibacterials of a new generation that could offer an alternative to antibiotics or support their action. Bacteriophages (phages) can kill antibiotic-sensitive as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and thus are a major subject of such studies. Their efficacy in curing bacterial infections has been demonstrated in in vivo experiments and in the clinic. Unlike antibiotics, phages have a narrow range of specificity, which makes them safe for commensal microbiota. However, targeting even only the most clinically relevant strains of pathogenic bacteria requires large collections of well characterized phages, whose specificity would cover all such strains. The environment is a rich source of diverse phages, but due to their complex relationships with bacteria and safety concerns, only some naturally occurring phages can be considered for therapeutic applications. Still, their number and diversity make a detailed characterization of all potentially promising phages virtually impossible. Moreover, no single phage combines all the features required of an ideal therapeutic agent. Additionally, the rapid acquisition of phage resistance by bacteria may make phages already approved for therapy ineffective and turn the search for environmental phages of better efficacy and new specificity into an endless race. An alternative strategy for acquiring phages with desired properties in a short time with minimal cost regarding their acquisition, characterization, and approval for therapy could be based on targeted genome modifications of phage isolates with known properties. The first example demonstrating the potential of this strategy in curing bacterial diseases resistant to traditional therapy is the recent successful treatment of a progressing disseminated Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a teenage patient with the use of an engineered phage. In this review, we briefly present current methods of phage genetic engineering, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and provide examples of genetically engineered phages with a modified host range, improved safety or antibacterial activity, and proven therapeutic efficacy. We also summarize novel uses of engineered phages not only for killing pathogenic bacteria, but also for in situ modification of human microbiota to attenuate symptoms of certain bacterial diseases and metabolic, immune, or mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Łobocka
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krystyna Dąbrowska
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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66
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Pires DP, Costa AR, Pinto G, Meneses L, Azeredo J. Current challenges and future opportunities of phage therapy. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 44:684-700. [PMID: 32472938 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health challenge worldwide, whose implications for global health might be devastating if novel antibacterial strategies are not quickly developed. As natural predators of bacteria, (bacterio)phages may play an essential role in escaping such a dreadful future. The rising problem of antibiotic resistance has revived the interest in phage therapy and important developments have been achieved over the last years. But where do we stand today and what can we expect from phage therapy in the future? This is the question we set to answer in this review. Here, we scour the outcomes of human phage therapy clinical trials and case reports, and address the major barriers that stand in the way of using phages in clinical settings. We particularly address the potential of phage resistance to hinder phage therapy and discuss future avenues to explore the full capacity of phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Pires
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Costa
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Graça Pinto
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Luciana Meneses
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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Kim U, Kim JH, Oh SW. Review of multi-species biofilm formation from foodborne pathogens: multi-species biofilms and removal methodology. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:5783-5793. [PMID: 33663287 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1892585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Multi-species biofilms are ubiquitous worldwide and are a concern in the food industry. Multi-species biofilms have a higher resistance to antimicrobial therapies than mono-species biofilms. In addition, multi-species biofilms can cause severe foodborne diseases. To remove multi-species biofilms, controlling the formation process of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and quorum sensing (QS) effects is essential. EPS disruption, inhibition of QS, and disinfection have been utilized to remove multi-species biofilms. This review presents information on the formation and novel removal methods for multi-species biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unji Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kookmin University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kookmin University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se-Wook Oh
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kookmin University, Seoul, Korea
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Guo D, Chen J, Zhao X, Luo Y, Jin M, Fan F, Park C, Yang X, Sun C, Yan J, Chen W, Liu Z. Genetic and Chemical Engineering of Phages for Controlling Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10020202. [PMID: 33669513 PMCID: PMC7922366 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Along with the excessive use of antibiotics, the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria has become a public health problem and a great challenge vis-à-vis the control and treatment of bacterial infections. As the natural predators of bacteria, phages have reattracted researchers' attentions. Phage therapy is regarded as one of the most promising alternative strategies to fight pathogens in the post-antibiotic era. Recently, genetic and chemical engineering methods have been applied in phage modification. Among them, genetic engineering includes the expression of toxin proteins, modification of host recognition receptors, and interference of bacterial phage-resistant pathways. Chemical engineering, meanwhile, involves crosslinking phage coats with antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, heavy metal ions, and photothermic matters. Those advances greatly expand the host range of phages and increase their bactericidal efficiency, which sheds light on the application of phage therapy in the control of multidrug-resistant pathogens. This review reports on engineered phages through genetic and chemical approaches. Further, we present the obstacles that this novel antimicrobial has incurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingming Guo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jingchao Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xueyang Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China; (X.Z.); (M.J.)
| | - Yanan Luo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Menglu Jin
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China; (X.Z.); (M.J.)
| | - Fenxia Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China;
| | - Chaiwoo Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Chuqing Sun
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jin Yan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Weihua Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (Z.L.); Tel.: +86-27-87001156 (Z.L.)
| | - Zhi Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (Z.L.); Tel.: +86-27-87001156 (Z.L.)
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Yu Z, Schwarz C, Zhu L, Chen L, Shen Y, Yu P. Hitchhiking Behavior in Bacteriophages Facilitates Phage Infection and Enhances Carrier Bacteria Colonization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:2462-2472. [PMID: 33381966 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between bacteriophages (phages) and biofilms remain poorly understood despite the broad implications for microbial ecology, water quality, and microbiome engineering. Here, we demonstrate that lytic coliphage PHH01 can hitchhike on carrier bacteria Bacillus cereus to facilitate its infection of host bacteria, Escherichia coli, in biofilms. Specifically, PHH01 could adsorb onto the flagella of B. cereus, and thus phage motility was increased, resulting in 4.36-fold more effective infection of E. coli in biofilm relative to free PHH01 alone. Moreover, phage infection mitigated interspecies competition and enhanced B. cereus colonization; the fraction of B. cereus in the final biofilm increased from 9% without phages to 43% with phages. The mutualistic relationship between the coliphage and carrier bacteria was substantiated by migration tests on an E. coli lawn: the conjugation of PHH01 and B. cereus enhanced B. cereus colonization by 6.54-fold compared to B. cereus alone (6.15 vs 0.94 cm2 in 24 h) and PHH01 migration by 5.15-fold compared to PHH01 alone (10.3 vs 2.0 mm in 24 h). Metagenomic and electron microscopic analysis revealed that the phages of diverse taxonomies and different morphologies could be adsorbed by the flagella of B. cereus, suggesting hitchhiking on flagellated bacteria might be a widespread strategy in aquatic phage populations. Overall, our study highlights that hitchhiking behavior in phages can facilitate phage infection of biofilm bacteria, promote carrier bacteria colonization, and thus significantly influence biofilm composition, which holds promise for mediating biofilm functions and moderating associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuodong Yu
- School of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Cory Schwarz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Liang Zhu
- School of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Linlin Chen
- School of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yun Shen
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Pingfeng Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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70
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Tian F, Li J, Nazir A, Tong Y. Bacteriophage - A Promising Alternative Measure for Bacterial Biofilm Control. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:205-217. [PMID: 33505163 PMCID: PMC7829120 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s290093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms can enhance bacteria's viability by providing resistance against antibiotics and conventional disinfectants. The existence of biofilm is a serious threat to human health, causing incalculable loss. Therefore, new strategies to deal with bacterial biofilms are needed. Bacteriophages are unique due to their activity on bacteria and do not pose a threat to humans. Consequently, they are considered safe alternatives to drugs for the treatment of bacterial diseases. They can effectively obliterate bacterial biofilms and have great potential in medical treatment, the food industry, and pollution control. There are intricate mechanisms of interaction between phages and biofilms. Biofilms may prevent the invasion of phages, and phages can kill bacteria for biofilm control purposes or influence the formation of biofilms. At present, there are various measures for the prevention and control of biofilms through phages, including the combined use of drugs and the application of phage cocktails. This article mainly reviews the function and formation process of bacterial biofilms, summarizes the different mechanisms between phages and biofilms, briefly explains the phage usage for the control of bacterial biofilms, and promotes phage application maintenance human health and the protection of the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Tian
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Amina Nazir
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yigang Tong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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71
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Lenneman BR, Fernbach J, Loessner MJ, Lu TK, Kilcher S. Enhancing phage therapy through synthetic biology and genome engineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 68:151-159. [PMID: 33310655 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial and therapeutic efficacy of bacteriophages is currently limited, mostly due to rapid emergence of phage-resistance and the inability of most phage isolates to bind and infect a broad range of clinical strains. Here, we discuss how phage therapy can be improved through recent advances in genetic engineering. First, we outline how receptor-binding proteins and their relevant structural domains are engineered to redirect phage specificity and to avoid resistance. Next, we summarize how phages are reprogrammed as prokaryotic gene therapy vectors that deliver antimicrobial 'payload' proteins, such as sequence-specific nucleases, to target defined cells within complex microbiomes. Finally, we delineate big data- and novel artificial intelligence-driven approaches that may guide the design of improved synthetic phage in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan R Lenneman
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Synthetic Biology Center, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jonas Fernbach
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Synthetic Biology Center, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Samuel Kilcher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Abstract
The diversity of advanced genetic engineering techniques that have become available in recent years has enabled a more precise manipulation of genes and genomes. Among these, bacteriophage genomes stand out as an interesting target due to their dependence on a host for replication, which previously complicated their manipulation, and due as well to the many possible fields in which they can be used. In this review, we highlight recent applications for which genetically modified bacteriophages are being employed: as phage therapy in medicine, animal industries and agricultural settings; as a source of new antimicrobials; as biosensors for research, health and environmental purposes; and as genetic engineering tools themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroki Ando
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University
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73
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Payaslian F, Gradaschi V, Piuri M. Genetic manipulation of phages for therapy using BRED. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 68:8-14. [PMID: 33039679 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The alarming increase in antibiotic resistance has placed the focus on phages as an alternative antimicrobial therapy. Recently, the first patient treatment using engineered phages to combat a mycobacterial infection was successfully performed; genetic modifications were made using Bacteriophage Recombineering of Electroporated DNA (BRED). BRED is a simple technique that allows genetic manipulation of phages. The phage DNA and a recombination substrate, with short homology to the target, are co-electroporated into recombineering proficient bacteria promoting high levels of recombination. After electroporation, cells are recovered and plated in an infectious centre assay. Individual plaques are then screened by PCR to identify the mutant phage. The main characteristics of this technique, the advantages of engineered versus wild type phages for therapeutic purposes and the future perspective of BRED for doing such modifications, are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Payaslian
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Victoria Gradaschi
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Piuri
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Chegini Z, Khoshbayan A, Taati Moghadam M, Farahani I, Jazireian P, Shariati A. Bacteriophage therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms: a review. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:45. [PMID: 32998720 PMCID: PMC7528332 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-00389-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important bacterial pathogens that causes infection with a high mortality rate due to resistance to different antibiotics. This bacterium prompts extensive tissue damage with varying factors of virulence, and its biofilm production causes chronic and antibiotic-resistant infections. Therefore, due to the non-applicability of antibiotics for the destruction of P. aeruginosa biofilm, alternative approaches have been considered by researchers, and phage therapy is one of these new therapeutic solutions. Bacteriophages can be used to eradicate P. aeruginosa biofilm by destroying the extracellular matrix, increasing the permeability of antibiotics into the inner layer of biofilm, and inhibiting its formation by stopping the quorum-sensing activity. Furthermore, the combined use of bacteriophages and other compounds with anti-biofilm properties such as nanoparticles, enzymes, and natural products can be of more interest because they invade the biofilm by various mechanisms and can be more effective than the one used alone. On the other hand, the use of bacteriophages for biofilm destruction has some limitations such as limited host range, high-density biofilm, sub-populate phage resistance in biofilm, and inhibition of phage infection via quorum sensing in biofilm. Therefore, in this review, we specifically discuss the use of phage therapy for inhibition of P. aeruginosa biofilm in clinical and in vitro studies to identify different aspects of this treatment for broader use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Chegini
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Khoshbayan
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Taati Moghadam
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Farahani
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Parham Jazireian
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aref Shariati
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Shao X, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Ding Y, Wu M, Wang X, Deng X. Novel therapeutic strategies for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1403-1423. [PMID: 32880507 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1803274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent infections caused by the superbug Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents are huge threats to patients with cystic fibrosis as well as those with compromised immune systems. Multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa has posed a major challenge to conventional antibiotics and therapeutic approaches, which show limited efficacy and cause serious side effects. The public demand for new antibiotics is enormous; yet, drug development pipelines have started to run dry with limited targets available for inventing new antibacterial drugs. Consequently, it is important to uncover potential therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED The authors review the current state of drug development strategies that are promising in terms of the development of novel and potent drugs to treat P. aeruginosa infection. EXPERT OPINION The prevention of P. aeruginosa infection is increasingly challenging. Furthermore, targeting key virulence regulators has great potential for developing novel anti-P. aeruginosa drugs. Additional promising strategies include bacteriophage therapy, immunotherapies, and antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, the authors believe that in the coming years, the overall network of molecular regulatory mechanism of P. aeruginosa virulence will be fully elucidated, which will provide more novel and promising drug targets for treating P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Shao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingpeng Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingchao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingui Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiqing Ding
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota , Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen, China
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Bacteriophages and Lysins as Possible Alternatives to Treat Antibiotic-Resistant Urinary Tract Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080466. [PMID: 32751681 PMCID: PMC7460213 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections represent a major public health problem as the rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains among uropathogens is causing the failure of many current treatments. The use of bacteriophages (phages) and their derivatives to combat infectious diseases is an old approach that has been forgotten by the West for a long time, mostly due to the discovery and great success of antibiotics. In the present so-called “post-antibiotic era”, many researchers are turning their attention to the re-discovered phage therapy, as an effective alternative to antibiotics. Phage therapy includes the use of natural or engineered phages, as well as their purified lytic enzymes to destroy pathogenic strains. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted, and these have proved the great potential for this therapy against uropathogenic bacteria. Nevertheless, to date, the lack of appropriate clinical trials has hindered its widespread clinic application.
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77
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Fang K, Park OJ, Hong SH. Controlling biofilms using synthetic biology approaches. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107518. [PMID: 31953206 PMCID: PMC7125041 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are formed by the complex but ordered regulation of intra- or inter-cellular communication, environmentally responsive gene expression, and secretion of extracellular polymeric substances. Given the robust nature of biofilms due to the non-growing nature of biofilm bacteria and the physical barrier provided by the extracellular matrix, eradicating biofilms is a very difficult task to accomplish with conventional antibiotic or disinfectant treatments. Synthetic biology holds substantial promise for controlling biofilms by improving and expanding existing biological tools, introducing novel functions to the system, and re-conceptualizing gene regulation. This review summarizes synthetic biology approaches used to eradicate biofilms via protein engineering of biofilm-related enzymes, utilization of synthetic genetic circuits, and the development of functional living agents. Synthetic biology also enables beneficial applications of biofilms through the production of biomaterials and patterning biofilms with specific temporal and spatial structures. Advances in synthetic biology will add novel biofilm functionalities for future therapeutic, biomanufacturing, and environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuili Fang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Oh-Jin Park
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA; Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Yanbian University of Science and Technology, Yanji, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Seok Hoon Hong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA.
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78
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Toushik SH, Mizan MFR, Hossain MI, Ha SD. Fighting with old foes: The pledge of microbe-derived biological agents to defeat mono- and mixed-bacterial biofilms concerning food industries. Trends Food Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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79
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Reuter M, Kruger DH. Approaches to optimize therapeutic bacteriophage and bacteriophage-derived products to combat bacterial infections. Virus Genes 2020; 56:136-149. [PMID: 32036540 PMCID: PMC7223754 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-020-01735-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The emerging occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens leads to a recollection of bacteriophage as antimicrobial therapeutics. This article presents a short overview of the clinical phage application including their use in military medicine and discusses the genotypic and phenotypic properties of a potential "ideal" therapeutic phage. We describe current efforts to engineer phage for their improved usability in pathogen treatment. In addition, phage can be applied for pathogen detection, selective drug delivery, vaccine development, or food and surface decontamination. Instead of viable phage, (engineered) phage-derived enzymes, such as polysaccharide depolymerases or peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes, are considered as promising therapeutic candidates. Finally, we briefly summarize the use of phage for the detection and treatment of "Category A priority pathogens".
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Reuter
- Institute of Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Detlev H. Kruger
- Institute of Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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80
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Melo LDR, Oliveira H, Pires DP, Dabrowska K, Azeredo J. Phage therapy efficacy: a review of the last 10 years of preclinical studies. Crit Rev Microbiol 2020; 46:78-99. [DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2020.1729695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luís D. R. Melo
- CEB – Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Hugo Oliveira
- CEB – Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Diana P. Pires
- CEB – Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Krystyna Dabrowska
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joana Azeredo
- CEB – Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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81
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Miyake MM, Bleier BS. Future topical medications in chronic rhinosinusitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2020; 9:S32-S46. [PMID: 31087632 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has progressed rapidly in recent decades to better understand the etiopathogenesis and management paradigms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Although oral antibiotics often mitigate symptoms in acute CRS exacerbations, eradication of polymicrobial biofilms and multidrug-resistant bacteria remains a challenge. The goal of this review is to summarize and discuss the potential and pitfalls of topical medications in the treatment of CRS. METHODS A related literature review was performed using PubMed and Scopus, with only the English database included. RESULTS The main therapies were selected and separated in sections. Details regarding future topical treatments of CRS were summarized and discussed. CONCLUSION The ease of access of the sinonasal mucosa positions CRS as a disease with high potential for local topical treatment. The ultimate adoption of topical agents will require continued expansion of our understanding of novel local targets in CRS as well as improved methods to deliver and retain the drug of interest at the site of activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Menon Miyake
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin S Bleier
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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82
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Huss P, Raman S. Engineered bacteriophages as programmable biocontrol agents. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 61:116-121. [PMID: 31862543 PMCID: PMC7103757 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Engineered bacteriophages are promising tools for use in food biotechnology. Diverse natural bacteriophages can be leveraged by engineering for specificity and infectivity. Engineered bacteriophages are potent tools for pathogen biocontrol. Engineered bacteriophages can be used for targeted delivery vectors and pathogen detection.
Bacteriophages (or ‘phages’) can be potent biocontrol agents but their potential has not been fully realized due to inherent limitations of natural phages. By leveraging new tools in synthetic biology, natural phages can be engineered to overcome these limitations to markedly improve their efficacy and programmability. Engineered phages can be used for targeted detection and removal of pathogens, in situ microbiome editing, gene delivery and programmable control of phage-bacterial interactions. In this mini review we examine different ways natural phages can be engineered as effective biocontrol agents through a design-build-test-learn platform and identify novel applications of engineered phages in food biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Huss
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Srivatsan Raman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.
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83
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Cao Y, Naseri M, He Y, Xu C, Walsh LJ, Ziora ZM. Non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents to combat biofilm-forming bacteria. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2019; 21:445-451. [PMID: 31830536 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms can be produced by multiple species or by a single strain of bacteria. The biofilm state enhances the resistance of the resident microorganisms to antimicrobial agents by producing extracellular polymeric substances. Typically, antibiotics are used to stop the growth of bacteria, but emerging resistance has limited their effectiveness. Bacteria in biofilms are less susceptible to antibiotics compared with their free-floating state, as biofilms impair antibiotic penetration. To obviate this challenge, non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents are needed. This review describes two classes of these agents, namely antimicrobial nanoparticles and antimicrobial peptides. Applications of these antimicrobials in the food industry and medical applications are discussed, and the directions for future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxue Cao
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Mahdi Naseri
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA), Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Yan He
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, QLD 4006, Australia; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Chun Xu
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Laurence J Walsh
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Zyta M Ziora
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia.
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84
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Promises and Pitfalls of In Vivo Evolution to Improve Phage Therapy. Viruses 2019; 11:v11121083. [PMID: 31766537 PMCID: PMC6950294 DOI: 10.3390/v11121083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy is the use of bacterial viruses (phages) to treat bacterial infections, a medical intervention long abandoned in the West but now experiencing a revival. Currently, therapeutic phages are often chosen based on limited criteria, sometimes merely an ability to plate on the pathogenic bacterium. Better treatment might result from an informed choice of phages. Here we consider whether phages used to treat the bacterial infection in a patient may specifically evolve to improve treatment on that patient or benefit subsequent patients. With mathematical and computational models, we explore in vivo evolution for four phage properties expected to influence therapeutic success: generalized phage growth, phage decay rate, excreted enzymes to degrade protective bacterial layers, and growth on resistant bacteria. Within-host phage evolution is strongly aligned with treatment success for phage decay rate but only partially aligned for phage growth rate and growth on resistant bacteria. Excreted enzymes are mostly not selected for treatment success. Even when evolution and treatment success are aligned, evolution may not be rapid enough to keep pace with bacterial evolution for maximum benefit. An informed use of phages is invariably superior to naive reliance on within-host evolution.
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85
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Whitfill T, Oh J. Recoding the metagenome: microbiome engineering in situ. Curr Opin Microbiol 2019; 50:28-34. [PMID: 31622928 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology has enabled a new generation of tools for engineering the microbiome, including targeted antibiotics, protein delivery, living biosensors and diagnostics, and metabolic factories. Here, we discuss opportunities and limitations in microbiome engineering, focusing on a new generation of tools for in situ genetic modification of a microbiome that hold particular promise in circumventing these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Whitfill
- Azitra, Inc., 400 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06032, United States
| | - Julia Oh
- The Jackson Laboratory, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT 06032, United States.
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86
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Identification and characterization of phage protein and its activity against two strains of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13487. [PMID: 31530875 PMCID: PMC6748951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50030-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen with a capacity to develop antibiotic resistance, which underlies a larger proportion of hospital-acquired infections and higher morbidity and mortality, compared to other bacterial infections. Effective novel approaches for treatment of infections induced by this pathogen are therefore necessary. Phage therapy represents a promising alternative solution to eradicate antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Here, we investigated phage protein efficacy against multi-drug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa PAR21 and PAR50 strains isolated from diabetic foot ulcer patients. The results obtained using spot assay, zymography, spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy at low voltage (SEM-LV) indicate that the phage protein, PA-PP, exerts activity against P. aeruginosa PAR50 while having no impact on the PAR21 strain. Using LC-MS-MS/MS and comparative analysis of the peptide molecular mass with the protein sequence database, PA-PP was identified as a member of the serine protease family, a result corroborated by its ability to digest casein. We additionally showed a capacity of PA-PP to digest porin protein on the bacterial outer membrane (OM). Moreover, synergistic activity between PA-PP protein and piperacillin led to higher sensitivity of bacterial cells to this antibiotic. Our collective findings suggest that PA-PP targets porin protein on PAR50 OM, thereby increasing its sensitivity to specific antibiotics. The adverse effects observed on bacterial cells using SEM-LV suggest further roles of this protein that remain to be established.
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87
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Managing urinary tract infections through phage therapy: a novel approach. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2019; 65:217-231. [PMID: 31494814 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-019-00750-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Upsurge in the instances of antibiotic-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia .coli (UPECs) strains has repositioned the attention of researchers towards a century old antimicrobial approach popularly known as phage therapy. Rise of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) and biofilm producing strains has added another step of hurdle in treatment of uropathogens with conventional antibiotics, thus providing a further impetus for search for exploring new therapeutic measures. In this direction, bacteriophages, commonly called phages, are recently being considered as potential alternatives for treatment of UPECs. Phages are the tiniest form of viruses which are ubiquitous in nature and highly specific for their host. This review discusses the possible ways of using natural phages, genetically engineered phages, and phage lytic enzymes (PLEs) as an alternative antimicrobial treatment for urinary tract infections. The review also sheds light on the synergistic use of conventional antibiotics with phages or PLEs for treatment of uropathogens. These methods of using phages and their derivatives, alone or in combination with antibiotics, have proved fruitful so far in in vitro studies. However, in vivo studies are required to make them accessible for human use. The present review is a concerted effort towards putting together all the information available on the subject.
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88
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Romero-Calle D, Guimarães Benevides R, Góes-Neto A, Billington C. Bacteriophages as Alternatives to Antibiotics in Clinical Care. Antibiotics (Basel) 2019; 8:antibiotics8030138. [PMID: 31487893 PMCID: PMC6784059 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8030138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is increasing despite new treatments being employed. With a decrease in the discovery rate of novel antibiotics, this threatens to take humankind back to a “pre-antibiotic era” of clinical care. Bacteriophages (phages) are one of the most promising alternatives to antibiotics for clinical use. Although more than a century of mostly ad-hoc phage therapy has involved substantial clinical experimentation, a lack of both regulatory guidance standards and effective execution of clinical trials has meant that therapy for infectious bacterial diseases has yet to be widely adopted. However, several recent case studies and clinical trials show promise in addressing these concerns. With the antibiotic resistance crisis and urgent search for alternative clinical treatments for bacterial infections, phage therapy may soon fulfill its long-held promise. This review reports on the applications of phage therapy for various infectious diseases, phage pharmacology, immunological responses to phages, legal concerns, and the potential benefits and disadvantages of this novel treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danitza Romero-Calle
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), Av. Transnordestina S/N, Feira de Santana-BA 44036-900, Brazil
| | - Raquel Guimarães Benevides
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), Av. Transnordestina S/N, Feira de Santana-BA 44036-900, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), Av. Transnordestina S/N, Feira de Santana-BA 44036-900, Brazil
| | - Craig Billington
- Health & Environment Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences and Research, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch 8540, New Zealand.
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89
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Fernández L, Gutiérrez D, García P, Rodríguez A. The Perfect Bacteriophage for Therapeutic Applications-A Quick Guide. Antibiotics (Basel) 2019; 8:E126. [PMID: 31443585 PMCID: PMC6783975 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8030126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The alarming spread of multiresistant infections has kick-started the quest for alternative antimicrobials. In a way, given the steady increase in untreatable infectious diseases, success in this endeavor has become a matter of life and death. Perhaps we should stop searching for an antibacterial panacea and explore a multifaceted strategy in which a wide range of compounds are available on demand depending on the specific situation. In the context of this novel tailor-made approach to combating bacterial pathogens, the once forgotten phage therapy is undergoing a revival. Indeed, the compassionate use of bacteriophages against seemingly incurable infections has been attracting a lot of media attention lately. However, in order to take full advantage of this strategy, bacteria's natural predators must be taken from their environment and then carefully selected to suit our needs. In this review, we have explored the vast literature regarding phage isolation and characterization for therapeutic purposes, paying special attention to the most recent studies, in search of findings that hint at the most efficient strategies to identify suitable candidates. From this information, we will list and discuss the traits that, at the moment, are considered particularly valuable in phages destined for antimicrobial therapy applications. Due to the growing importance given to biofilms in the context of bacterial infections, we will dedicate a specific section to those characteristics that indicate the suitability of a bacteriophage as an antibiofilm agent. Overall, the objective is not just to have a large collection of phages, but to have the best possible candidates to guarantee elimination of the target pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Fernández
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), (DairySafe Group), Paseo Río Linares s/n -Villaviciosa, 33300 Asturias, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Diana Gutiérrez
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pilar García
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), (DairySafe Group), Paseo Río Linares s/n -Villaviciosa, 33300 Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Rodríguez
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), (DairySafe Group), Paseo Río Linares s/n -Villaviciosa, 33300 Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
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90
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Yuan L, Hansen MF, Røder HL, Wang N, Burmølle M, He G. Mixed-species biofilms in the food industry: Current knowledge and novel control strategies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2019; 60:2277-2293. [PMID: 31257907 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1632790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Attachment of microorganisms to food contact surfaces and the subsequent formation of biofilms may cause equipment damage, food spoilage and even diseases. Mixed-species biofilms are ubiquitous in the food industry and they generally exhibit higher resistance to disinfectants and antimicrobials compared to single-species biofilms. The physiology and metabolic activity of microorganisms in mixed-species biofilms are however rather complicated to study, and despite targeted research efforts, the potential role of mixed-species biofilms in food industry is still rather unexplored. In this review, we summarize recent studies in the context of bacterial social interactions in mixed-species biofilms, resistance to disinfectants, detection methods, and potential novel strategies to control the formation of mixed-species biofilms for enhanced food safety and food quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yuan
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Frederik Hansen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henriette Lyng Røder
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ni Wang
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mette Burmølle
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Guoqing He
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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91
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Raafat MM, Ali-Tammam M, Ali AE. Quorum quenching activity of Bacillus cereus isolate 30b confers antipathogenic effects in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:1583-1596. [PMID: 31239733 PMCID: PMC6559722 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s182889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Quorum quenching, the interference of a Quorum sensing (QS) system that contributes to the pathogenesis through triggering the production of various virulence determinants, is among the newly suggested antivirulence strategies. Purpose: This study aimed at screening of N-Acyl homoserine lactonase activity from local bacterial isolate, and investigating its effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) virulence and biofilm formation. Materials and methods: Soil bacteria were screened for aiiA gene coding for lactonase enzyme by Polymerase Chain reaction and sequencing of aiiA gene homologs. Lactonase activity and spectrum were assessed in the cell-free lysate by well diffusion assay using Agrobacterium tumafaciens KYC55. A bacterial isolate showing the highest N-acyl-homoserine lactones degradation percentage was identified by gene amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and its aiiA gene homolog. High performance liquid chromatography was used to confirm N-acyl-homoserine lactone degradation. The effect of cell-free lysate on the biofilm formation ability and cytotoxicity of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from different clinical sources were assessed by static microtiter plate and viability assay, respectively Results: Lactonase gene and activity were identified in three Bacillus spp. isolates. They showed broad catalytic activities against tested N-acyl-homoserine lactones. However, The lactonase activity in the cell- free lysate of isolate 30b showed the highest significant degradation percentage on all tested signals; N-butanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (71%), N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (100%), N-decanoyl-homoserine lactone (100%), N-(3-oxohexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (37.5%), N-(oxodecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (100%), and N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (100%). Alignment of the amino acid sequences of AiiA protein of isolate 30b showed 96% identity with Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) homologous lactonases in the GenBank database, and the isolate was designated as B. cereus isolate 30b. Cell-free lysate of B. cereus isolate 30b reduced biofilm formation significantly in 93% of P. aeruginosa isolates. The highest mean percentage of reduction in the biofilm was 86%. Moreover, the viability percentage of human lung carcinoma A549 cells infected by P. aeruginosa and treated with cell-free lysate of B. cereus isolate 30b increased up to 15%. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the potential of lactonases as a promising strategy to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Raafat
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmaceutical Industries, Future University in Egypt (FUE), New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Ali-Tammam
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmaceutical Industries, Future University in Egypt (FUE), New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal E Ali
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmaceutical Industries, Future University in Egypt (FUE), New Cairo, Egypt
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92
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Chen Y, Batra H, Dong J, Chen C, Rao VB, Tao P. Genetic Engineering of Bacteriophages Against Infectious Diseases. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:954. [PMID: 31130936 PMCID: PMC6509161 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are the most abundant and widely distributed organisms on Earth, constituting a virtually unlimited resource to explore the development of biomedical therapies. The therapeutic use of phages to treat bacterial infections (“phage therapy”) was conceived by Felix d’Herelle nearly a century ago. However, its power has been realized only recently, largely due to the emergence of multi-antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens. Progress in technologies, such as high-throughput sequencing, genome editing, and synthetic biology, further opened doors to explore this vast treasure trove. Here, we review some of the emerging themes on the use of phages against infectious diseases. In addition to phage therapy, phages have also been developed as vaccine platforms to deliver antigens as part of virus-like nanoparticles that can stimulate immune responses and prevent pathogen infections. Phage engineering promises to generate phage variants with unique properties for prophylactic and therapeutic applications. These approaches have created momentum to accelerate basic as well as translational phage research and potential development of therapeutics in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibao Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Himanshu Batra
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Junhua Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cen Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Venigalla B Rao
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Pan Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, United States
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93
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Mathieu J, Yu P, Zuo P, Da Silva MLB, Alvarez PJJ. Going Viral: Emerging Opportunities for Phage-Based Bacterial Control in Water Treatment and Reuse. Acc Chem Res 2019; 52:849-857. [PMID: 30925037 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.8b00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Water security to protect human lives and support sustainable development is one of the greatest global challenges of this century. While a myriad of water pollutants can impact public health, the greatest threat arises from pathogenic bacteria that can be harbored in different components of water treatment, distribution, and reuse systems. Bacterial biofilms can also promote water infrastructure corrosion and biofouling, which substantially increase the cost and complexity of many critical operations. Conventional disinfection and microbial control approaches are often insufficient to keep up with the increasing complexity and renewed relevance of this pressing challenge. For example, common disinfectants cannot easily penetrate and eradicate biofilms, and are also relatively ineffective against resistant microorganisms. The use of chemical disinfectants is also curtailed by regulations aimed at minimizing the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts. Furthermore, disinfectants cannot be used to kill problematic bacteria in biological treatment processes without upsetting system performance. This underscores the need for novel, more precise, and more sustainable microbial control technologies. Bacteriophages (phages), which are viruses that exclusively infect bacteria, are the most abundant (and perhaps the most underutilized) biological resource on Earth, and hold great promise for targeting problematic bacteria. Although phages should not replace broad-spectrum disinfectants in drinking water treatment, they offer great potential for applications where selective targeting of problematic bacteria is warranted and antimicrobial chemicals are either relatively ineffective or their use would result in unintended detrimental consequences. Promising applications for phage-based biocontrol include selectively suppressing bulking and foaming bacteria that hinder activated sludge clarification, mitigating proliferation of antibiotic resistant strains in biological wastewater treatment systems where broad-spectrum antimicrobials would impair pollutant biodegradation, and complementing biofilm eradication efforts to delay corrosion and biofouling. Phages could also mitigate harmful cyanobacteria blooms that produce toxins in source waters, and could also serve as substitutes for the prophylactic use of antibiotics and biocides in animal agriculture to reduce their discharge to source waters and the associated selective pressure for resistant bacteria. Here, we consider the phage life cycle and its implications for bacterial control, and elaborate on the biochemical basis of such potential application niches in the water supply and reuse cycle. We also discuss potential technological barriers for phage-based bacterial control and suggest strategies and research needs to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Mathieu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Pingfeng Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Pengxiao Zuo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Marcio L. B. Da Silva
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Pedro J. J. Alvarez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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94
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Engineering Bacteriophages as Versatile Biologics. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:355-367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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95
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Geredew Kifelew L, Mitchell JG, Speck P. Mini-review: efficacy of lytic bacteriophages on multispecies biofilms. BIOFOULING 2019; 35:472-481. [PMID: 31144513 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2019.1613525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There is potential for phages to prevent and control bacterial biofilms, but few studies have examined the effect of phages on the multispecies biofilms that characterize most bacterial infections. This paper reviews the mechanism of action of phages, the evidence supporting the view that phage therapy will be effective against bacterial targets and the opposite viewpoint, phage application approaches, and the comparative advantage of phage therapy in multispecies biofilms. The few reports measuring the actions of lytic phages against multispecies biofilms are also reviewed. The authors are cautiously optimistic about the application of phages against their targets when in multispecies biofilms because some lysis mechanisms do not require species specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James G Mitchell
- a Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering , Bedford Park , South Australia
| | - Peter Speck
- a Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering , Bedford Park , South Australia
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96
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Bashandy SR, Abd‐Alla MH, Bagy MMK. Biological Nitrogen Fixation and Biofertilizers as Ideal Potential Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture. INTEGRATING GREEN CHEMISTRY AND SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING 2019:343-396. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119509868.ch12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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97
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Kim BO, Kim ES, Yoo YJ, Bae HW, Chung IY, Cho YH. Phage-Derived Antibacterials: Harnessing the Simplicity, Plasticity, and Diversity of Phages. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030268. [PMID: 30889807 PMCID: PMC6466130 DOI: 10.3390/v11030268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the successful use of antibacterials, the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has become a serious threat to global healthcare. In this era of antibacterial crisis, bacteriophages (phages) are being explored as an antibacterial treatment option since they possess a number of advantages over conventional antibacterials, especially in terms of specificity and biosafety; phages specifically lyse target bacteria while not affecting normal and/or beneficial bacteria and display little or no toxicity in that they are mainly composed of proteins and nucleic acids, which consequently significantly reduces the time and cost involved in antibacterial development. However, these benefits also create potential issues regarding antibacterial spectra and host immunity; the antibacterial spectra being very narrow when compared to those of chemicals, with the phage materials making it possible to trigger host immune responses, which ultimately disarm antibacterial efficacy upon successive treatments. In addition, phages play a major role in horizontal gene transfer between bacterial populations, which poses serious concerns for the potential of disastrous consequences regarding antibiotic resistance. Fortunately, however, recent advancements in synthetic biology tools and the speedy development of phage genome resources have allowed for research on methods to circumvent the potentially disadvantageous aspects of phages. These novel developments empower research which goes far beyond traditional phage therapy approaches, opening up a new chapter for phage applications with new antibacterial platforms. Herein, we not only highlight the most recent synthetic phage engineering and phage product engineering studies, but also discuss a new proof-of-concept for phage-inspired antibacterial design based on the studies undertaken by our group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-O Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Korea.
| | - Eun Sook Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Korea.
| | - Yeon-Ji Yoo
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Korea.
| | - Hee-Won Bae
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Korea.
| | - In-Young Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Korea.
| | - You-Hee Cho
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Korea.
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98
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Abdelkader K, Gerstmans H, Saafan A, Dishisha T, Briers Y. The Preclinical and Clinical Progress of Bacteriophages and Their Lytic Enzymes: The Parts are Easier than the Whole. Viruses 2019; 11:E96. [PMID: 30678377 PMCID: PMC6409994 DOI: 10.3390/v11020096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of phages has been considered since their first identification more than a century ago. The evident concept of using a natural predator to treat bacterial infections has, however, since then been challenged considerably. Initially, the vast success of antibiotics almost eliminated the study of phages for therapy. Upon the renaissance of phage therapy research, the most provocative and unique properties of phages such as high specificity, self-replication and co-evolution prohibited a rapid preclinical and clinical development. On the one hand, the typical trajectory followed by small molecule antibiotics could not be simply translated into the preclinical analysis of phages, exemplified by the need for complex broad spectrum or personalized phage cocktails of high purity and the more complex pharmacokinetics. On the other hand, there was no fitting regulatory framework to deal with flexible and sustainable phage therapy approaches, including the setup and approval of adequate clinical trials. While significant advances are incrementally made to eliminate these hurdles, phage-inspired antibacterials have progressed in the slipstream of phage therapy, benefiting from the lack of hurdles that are typically associated with phage therapy. Most advanced are phage lytic enzymes that kill bacteria through peptidoglycan degradation and osmotic lysis. Both phages and their lytic enzymes are now widely considered as safe and have now progressed to clinical phase II to show clinical efficacy as pharmaceutical. Yet, more initiatives are needed to fill the clinical pipeline to beat the typical attrition rates of clinical evaluation and to come to a true evaluation of phages and phage lytic enzymes in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Abdelkader
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwijckweg 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt.
| | - Hans Gerstmans
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwijckweg 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- MeBioS-Biosensors group, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 21, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Amal Saafan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shebin ElKoum 51132, Egypt.
| | - Tarek Dishisha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt.
| | - Yves Briers
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwijckweg 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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99
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Bacterial vaginosis: An insight into the prevalence, alternative treatments regimen and it's associated resistance patterns. Microb Pathog 2018; 127:21-30. [PMID: 30502515 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a complex polymicrobial infection of vagina that shifts the paradigms of vaginal flora from lactobacilli to opportunistic pathogens. BV is catagorized by greyish white discharge, pH greater than 4.5. It results in the preterm labor, abortion, pelvic inflammatory disorders, post cesarean infections. BV is associated with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or immune deficiency disorders like Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Human Papilloma Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The prevalence rate is about 21.2 million (29.2%) worldwide. BV is more frequent in black females as compared to white females, independent of geographical distribution. Globally, BV is treated with the current recommended antibiotic therapy including Metronidazole and Clindamycin. The recurrence rates are 76% and occur within 06 months of treatment due to antibiotic resistance against pathogenic bacteria and their biofilms. The antibiotic resistance is a global health issue which directs the attentions towards other treatments. One of these is the treatment of sex partners, thus helping to stop the recurrence rates in females. However, this method does not show any positive results. Probiotic therapy is an incorporation of Lactobacilli orally or intravaginally for the recolonization of healthy microbes. This therapy has exhibited promising results but some studies revealed that Probiotic therapy does not control the recurrence rate. The other methods are in trials period and none of them are used clinically or commercially available for the treatment. The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) intravaginal rings contain lactic acid and metronidazole showed promising results in trials of BV treatment. The vaginal acidifiers are used as an alternative method to maintain the vaginal pH but the process of douching is a major limitation. The activated charcoal is used to treat BV patients in clinical trials showed decrease in the pH with only 3.1% loss of lactobacilli. Phage therapy is a reemerging field to overcome the bacterial resistance. They are host specific and easier to handle. They can be used naturally, synthetically; phage cocktails and phage-antibiotics combination can be used. Phages show auspicious results for the treatment of bacterial infections as compared to antibiotics as they also treat biofilms. This is one of the promising therapy in future to treat infections with no side effects. Phage therapy can be used in pharmaceuticals according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Taken together, it is suggested that large funding is required by pharmaceutical sector or government for further investigation of bacteriophages to be used against BV pathogenesis.
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100
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Gabiatti N, Yu P, Mathieu J, Lu GW, Wang X, Zhang H, Soares HM, Alvarez PJJ. Bacterial Endospores as Phage Genome Carriers and Protective Shells. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:e01186-18. [PMID: 30006404 PMCID: PMC6121981 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01186-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial endospores can serve as phage genome protection shells against various environmental stresses to enhance microbial control applications. The genomes of polyvalent lytic Bacillus phages PBSC1 and PBSC2, which infect both B. subtilis subsp. subtilis and B. cereus NRS 248, were incorporated into B. subtilis endospores (without integration into the host chromosome). When PBSC1 and PBSC2 were released from germinating endospores, they significantly inhibited the growth of the targeted opportunistic pathogen B. cereus Optimal endospore entrapment was achieved when phages were introduced to the fast-sporulating prespores at a multiplicity of infection of 1. Longer endospore maturation (48 h versus 24 h) increased both spore yield and efficiency of entrapment. Compared with free phages, spore-protected phage genomes showed significantly higher resistance toward high temperatures (60 to 80°C), extreme pH (pH 2 or pH 12), and copper ions (0.1 to 10 mg/liter). Endospore germination is inducible by low concentrations of l-alanine or by a germinant mixture (l-asparagine, d-glucose, d-fructose, and K+) to trigger the expression, assembly, and consequent release of phage particles within 60 to 90 min. Overall, the superior resiliency of polyvalent phages protected by endospores might enable nonrefrigerated phage storage and enhance phage applications after exposure to adverse environmental conditions.IMPORTANCE Bacteriophages are being considered for the control of multidrug-resistant and other problematic bacteria in environmental systems. However, the efficacy of phage-based microbial control is limited by infectivity loss during phage delivery and/or storage. Here, we exploit the pseudolysogenic state of phages, which involves incorporation of their genome into bacterial endospores (without integration into the host chromosome), to enhance survival in unfavorable environments. We isolated polyvalent (broad-host-range) phages that efficiently infect both benign and opportunistically pathogenic Bacillus strains and encapsulated the phage genomes in B. subtilis endospores to significantly improve resistance to various environmental stressors. Encapsulation by spores also significantly enhanced phage genome viability during storage. We also show that endospore germination can be induced on demand with nutrient germinants that trigger the release of active phages. Overall, we demonstrate that encapsulation of polyvalent phage genomes into benign endospores holds great promise for broadening the scope and efficacy of phage biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiana Gabiatti
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Pingfeng Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jacques Mathieu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Grant W Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xifan Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hangjun Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hugo M Soares
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Pedro J J Alvarez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
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