Engineered Bacteriophages: A Next-Generation Platform for Precision Antimicrobials and Therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Medicine

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis.
• The development of new antibiotics has slowed, necessitating alternative treatments.
• Bacteriophage therapy, using viruses that infect bacteria, is being revisited and enhanced through engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the history and advancements in engineered bacteriophage preparation.
• To highlight the therapeutic applications of engineered phages.
• To identify challenges and future directions for phage therapy.

Main Methods:

• Genetic modification of phages to broaden host range and enhance efficacy.
• Chemical conjugation techniques to attach therapeutic payloads or targeting moieties.
• Physical encapsulation methods for improved stability and delivery.
• Review of existing literature on phage therapy and engineered phage applications.

Main Results:

• Engineered phages show potential against multidrug-resistant infections.
• Applications include gut microbiome modulation for gastrointestinal diseases.
• Engineered phages can serve as targeted delivery vehicles or immune adjuvants in cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

• Engineered phages represent customizable and precise biological tools.
• They are key to advancing precision phage medicine and combating AMR.
• Further research is needed to address regulatory, manufacturing, and safety challenges.