Bacteriophage is capable of removing Infectious Biofilms
The very nature of biofilm matrix makes it difficult for antibiotics to eliminate biofilm-based bacterial infection. Bacterial growth can be inhibited by using high doses of antibiotics, but complete eradication is rare, and the bacterial colony starts re-growing after the treatment ends. Also, high doses of antibiotics can result in tissue toxicity.
The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) is responsible for the functional and structural integrity of biofilms. Some bacteriophages can secrete enzymes capable of degrading the EPS matrix, and disperse bacterial biofilms, allowing it to access the embedded bacteria.
Irrespective of that, bacteriophages possess the potential to lyse one bacterial layer at a time, until the infection is completely eradicated. The high concentration of bacteria in biofilms further assists this cause.
It is however, rare to find bacteriophages possessing high lytic capability and ability to express a relevant biofilm exopolymer degrading enzyme. Bacteriophages are, therefore, genetically engineered to manipulate their host range and induce the production of depolymerases.
Economic aspects of Bacteriophage Therapy is promising
Bacteriophages against most bacterial pathogens are found in sewage and other waste materials that contain high concentrations of these bacteria. Else, bacteriophages against any new bacteria can be easily grown in a matter of days in suitable medium containing enough concentrations of the bacteria. This is unlike the years of research necessary to develop a single antibiotic.
Conclusion
In essence, the capability of bacteriophages to exterminate all kinds of bacteria makes them compelling alternatives to chemical antibiotics. While there are quite a few concerns associated with bacteriophage therapy, most of these should be manageable through effective formulation and familiarity with its application.
Moreover, the advancement in molecular and synthetic biology has enabled us to engineer bacteriophages for eliminating many of the issues that have historically limited the use of bacteriophages as therapeutics. Phage engineering is also broadening the scope of bacteriophage therapy through the introduction of desired properties in engineered bacteriophages.
Nonetheless, we can get useful insights into developing superior therapeutic products by studying the natural strategy of bacteriophages in eradicating bacterial infections.
