Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
13:24
An Optimized Enrichment Technique for the Isolation of Arthrobacter Bacteriophage Species from Soil Sample Isolates
Published on: April 9, 2015
A practical low-cost course module for teaching bacteriophage isolation to undergraduate students
Luiz Felipe Leomil Coelho1, Raíne Piva Amaral1, Mateus de Souza Terceti1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil.
Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
|May 29, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a low-cost course on bacteriophage biology for undergraduates. It integrates hands-on lab work and bioinformatics to teach phage isolation, characterization, and genome analysis, enhancing virology education.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses infecting bacteria and are crucial for combating antimicrobial resistance.
- Phage biology education is currently lacking in undergraduate curricula, limiting future research and development.
- Antimicrobial resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies, highlighting the importance of phage therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a cost-effective course for teaching fundamental bacteriophage biology to undergraduates.
- To integrate laboratory techniques with computational analysis for a comprehensive learning experience.
- To enhance student understanding of phage isolation, characterization, and genome analysis.
Main Methods:
- Students collected environmental samples for phage enrichment and isolation.
- The double-layer agar technique was used for plaque detection and quantification.
- Web-based bioinformatics tools (BLASTN, PhageScope) were utilized for genome analysis without coding requirements.
Main Results:
- The course successfully introduced key virology concepts, including viral diversity, lytic cycles, and host specificity.
- Students gained practical experience in phage isolation, characterization, and basic genome analysis.
- The integrated lab and bioinformatics approach fostered a deeper understanding of bacteriophage biology.
Conclusions:
- This accessible educational model promotes active learning and democratizes virology training.
- The course effectively prepares students for research in bacteriophage biology and phage therapy.
- Hands-on experience with phage research is vital for addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
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