A Century of Bacteriophages: Insights, Applications, and Current Utilization

Bacteriophages or phages are viruses that exclusively target and replicate within bacteria, acting as natural predators in the biosphere. Since their discovery over a century ago, host-specific bacteriophages have been widely advocated as a cost-effective and adaptable approach to controlling and combating bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance, a growing concern and a significant global public health problem, has further underscored the importance of bacteriophages. Nevertheless, their potential applications span diverse fields, including molecular biology, phage therapy, bacterial detection, food safety, and wastewater decontamination. Furthermore, bacteriophages represent a diverse group of viruses that are relatively easy to handle, making them suitable for use in both treatments and biotechnology research. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of bacteriophage history, characteristics, and applications that have been employed to address human challenges, ranging from healthcare to environmental remediation. We will highlight key findings and outcomes, shedding light on ongoing research that will shape the future of bacteriophage applications.