Degradation of Preformed Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacterial Biofilms Using Disintegrated and Intact Phages

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Bacterial biofilms pose significant public health risks and industrial challenges.
• Traditional phage therapy relies on the lytic activity of phages to eliminate bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antibiofilm efficacy of disintegrated phages lacking lytic activity.
• To investigate the enzymatic basis for biofilm degradation by phage structural proteins.

Main Methods:

• Seven lytic phages were disintegrated via sonication, confirming loss of lytic activity.
• Disintegrated and intact phages were tested against five bacterial biofilms.
• Structural proteins were analyzed for enzymatic activities (lipase, amylase, protease, DNase); genomes were screened for relevant genes.

Main Results:

• Disintegrated phages demonstrated superior biofilm degradation compared to intact phages.
• All tested disintegrated phages exhibited amylase activity, indicating starch-degrading enzymes.
• Genomic analysis revealed genes for biofilm-degrading enzymes like transglycosylases and amidases in phage structures.

Conclusions:

• Phages possess antibiofilm capabilities independent of their lytic activity.
• Enzymatic activities of phage structural proteins contribute to biofilm disruption.
• This suggests novel applications for phages in combating biofilms.