Mining the Phage Antimicrobial Arsenal to Combat Bacterial Biofilms

Dear colleagues,

Biofilms represent the most common bacterial lifestyle in both natural and man-made environments. As a matter of fact, these structures are responsible for contamination in industrial settings, and are involved in a high percentage of all bacterial infections. To make matters worse, biofilms display enhanced antimicrobial resistance, and as a result are very difficult to eliminate. For this reason, there is currently an active search for novel and improved antibiofilm strategies.

In this context, the use of bacteriophages—viruses that infect and kill bacteria—seems to be a promising alternative that harnesses the potential of bacteria’s natural enemies. Furthermore, phages are not only weapons themselves, but are also a source of new antibacterial compounds. Indeed, different types of phage enzymes exhibit antibiofilm potential. For instance, some of them (e.g., lytic proteins) are bactericidal and can help to kill biofilm cells. Others, like depolymerases, can be useful to degrade the biofilm matrix, thus dispersing the cells in the more susceptible planktonic state.

This Special Issue aims to compile a collection of original research and review articles highlighting the potential of phages and phage-derived proteins as antibiofilm agents, especially those formed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Within this topic, manuscripts concerning the following subtopics are particularly welcome:

• In vitro and/or ex vivo studies examining the antibiofilm effect of phage-based antimicrobials;

• In vivo studies and/or clinical trials examining the potential of phage therapy or therapeutic use of phage proteins;

• Synergy between phage-derived antimicrobials and other compounds;

• Resistance development to phage-derived therapeutics;

• Elimination of biofilms from industrial surfaces using phages and phage proteins.

• biofilms
• phages
• endolysins
• depolymerases
• antimicrobials