Bacteriophages and Biofilms 2026

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Bacterial Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 3425

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Genomics and Forensic Genetics, Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Szczecin, Poland
Interests: phage biology; phage–host/antibiotics interaction; bacteriophage ecology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biofilms represent a major challenge in clinical and environmental microbiology due to their resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapies. Bacteriophages—viruses that specifically infect bacteria—have emerged as promising agents in combating biofilm-associated infections. This Special Issue aims to explore the complex interactions between bacteriophages and biofilms, encompassing both fundamental mechanisms and applied research. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and short communications that investigate phage–biofilm dynamics, the use of engineered phages, phage-derived enzymes, combination therapies, and novel delivery systems. Special attention will be given to innovative therapeutic approaches, resistance mechanisms, and in vitro/in vivo model systems that advance our understanding and application of phages in biofilm control.

Dr. Bartłomiej Grygorcewicz
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • bacteriophages
  • phage therapy
  • biofilms
  • phage–biofilm interaction
  • depolymerases
  • antibiofilm agents
  • phage engineering
  • phage resistance
  • combination therapy
  • microbial ecology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 6138 KB  
Article
Isolation of Bacteriophages with Lytic Activity from Biological Samples of Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients: An In Vitro Study
by Balazs Sax, Adam Koppanyi, Katalin Kristof, Akos Kiraly, Gyula Prinz, Istvan Hartyanszky, Gergely Gyorgy Nagy, Istvan Nemet, Fanni Temesvari-Kis, Balazs Kiss and Bela Merkely
Viruses 2026, 18(5), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18050526 - 30 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1441
Abstract
Percutaneous cable infection of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients is a significant source of morbidity, often caused by biofilm-producing or multidrug-resistant bacteria. We hypothesized that bacteriophage viruses can be identified from biological samples of patients with active driveline infection. Six patients with [...] Read more.
Percutaneous cable infection of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients is a significant source of morbidity, often caused by biofilm-producing or multidrug-resistant bacteria. We hypothesized that bacteriophage viruses can be identified from biological samples of patients with active driveline infection. Six patients with local percutaneous lead infections were enrolled. Microbiological samples were collected from the infected wound and other skin regions. The isolated viral strains and phages from wastewater samples were then tested against the pathogen bacterial cultures in vitro. Biofilm disruption assay and genetic analysis of the strains were also performed. Bacteriophages with lytic activity could be identified from samples of two patients. One patient contained four strains showing strong efficacy against his own Staphylococcus epidermidis. Furthermore, this bacterium was susceptible to phages identified from another patient and strains from wastewater samples. Genomic analysis suggested lysogenic lifestyle of the phages. However, none of them have shown any microbiological signs of lysogeny. In conclusion, we have been able to prove in vitro lytic activity of bacteriophages originating from the same LVAD patient. We also found effective phages in biological samples of other patients and wastewater samples, suggesting that patients implanted in the same center may share bacteriophage flora. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacteriophages and Biofilms 2026)
24 pages, 10582 KB  
Article
Characterization of Five Lytic Bacteriophages as New Members of the Genus Mosigvirus, Infecting Multidrug-Resistant Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Their Antibiofilm Activity
by Jong Beom Na, Seungki Lee, Eun Jeong Park, Soojin Lim, Keeman Lee, Ye Bin Kim, Tae Seon Cha, Seon Young Park and Ji Hyung Kim
Viruses 2025, 17(11), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17111501 - 13 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1066
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) poses a major challenge to public health and necessitates the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies. This study aimed to isolate and characterize five lytic bacteriophages belonging to the genus Mosigvirus and evaluate their potential [...] Read more.
The emergence of multidrug-resistant Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) poses a major challenge to public health and necessitates the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies. This study aimed to isolate and characterize five lytic bacteriophages belonging to the genus Mosigvirus and evaluate their potential as biocontrol against MDR STEC strains and their biofilms. The five bacteriophages, designated vB_EcoM-pJBB (ΦB), vB_EcoM-pJBC (ΦC), vB_EcoM-pJBJ (ΦJ), vB_EcoM-pJBK (ΦK), and vB_EcoM-pJBL (ΦL), were isolated from sewage treatment plant samples using STEC ATCC 43895 as host. Biological characterization included host range determination against 19 MDR STEC strains, one-step growth analysis, environmental stability assays, bacteriolytic activity assessment, and antibiofilm efficacy testing. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed to determine genomic features and taxonomic classification. The phages demonstrated varying infectious capacities, lysing between six and 12 strains, with ΦL exhibiting the broadest spectrum of activity. All phages showed MOI-independent antibiofilm activity, preventing biofilm formation by approximately 70% and disrupting pre-formed biofilms by up to 80.3%. Genomic analysis revealed the absence of lysogeny markers, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance genes, while identifying putative depolymerase genes associated with tail fiber proteins. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the taxonomic position of these phages within the Mosigvirus genus in the Straboviridae family. Our findings indicate that the newly identified Mosigvirus phages are promising candidates for phage-based biocontrol applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacteriophages and Biofilms 2026)
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