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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
07:22
Bacteriophage Effectiveness for Biocontrol of Foodborne Pathogens Evaluated via High-Throughput Settings
Published on: August 19, 2021
Controlled manipulation of bacteriophages using single-virus force spectroscopy.
David Alsteens1, Emanuele Pesavento, Gilles Cheuvart
1Unité de Chimie des Interfaces, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2/18, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
ACS Nano
|September 23, 2009
Summary
This study introduces a new method to precisely manipulate single filamentous bacteriophages using phage display and atomic force microscopy. This technique allows for detailed analysis of virus-material interactions and protein binding properties.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Filamentous bacteriophages are versatile tools in biotechnology.
- Understanding single-virus interactions is crucial for various applications.
- Existing methods lack precision in manipulating individual viral particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a site-directed method for manipulating single filamentous bacteriophages.
- To characterize the mechanical properties and binding interactions of phages.
- To enable precise studies of cell-virus and material-virus interactions.
Main Methods:
- Genetically engineering f1 bacteriophages to display His-tags.
- Utilizing atomic force microscopy (AFM) for force spectroscopy.
- Adsorbing phages onto functionalized surfaces and pulling via antibody-coated AFM tips.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful site-directed manipulation of individual phages.
- Analyzed force-extension profiles to observe phage straightening and complex rupture.
- Quantified forces involved in phage manipulation and binding.
Conclusions:
- The developed technique allows for precise, single-virus manipulation.
- Provides insights into the mechanical behavior of phages.
- Offers a new platform for characterizing protein-ligand interactions selected via phage display.
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