Phage Engineering: Pioneering Advances in Biomedical and Environmental Fields

Dear Colleagues,

Phage engineering is as a groundbreaking area of biotechnology which leverages the specialized abilities of bacteriophages, the viruses that target and multiply within bacteria. This field uses a blend of microbiology, molecular science, genetics, and bioinformatics to adapt and employ phages across a variety of applications, from healthcare treatments to safeguarding the environment. The foundation of phage engineering lies in the unique specificity of phages, which target particular bacterial strains, proving essential in an era in which combating antibiotic resistance and pursuing sustainable biotechnological approaches are critical. The essence of phage engineering involves modifying phage genomes to boost their innate properties or provide them with new capabilities. This may involve changing their host spectrum, enhancing their performance against bacterial biofilms, or modifying them to deliver therapeutic agents. The adaptability of phage engineering is supported by sophisticated techniques such as CRISPR-Cas systems for accurate genetic modifications, and synthetic biology for the development of completely new phage models. Phage engineering has particularly promising applications in healthcare, especially for treating bacterial infections that are resistant to standard antibiotics. Phage therapy, or the use of phages to combat bacterial infections, presents a focused, effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional antibiotics. Engineered phages can also be tailored to bypass bacterial defense strategies, thereby improving success rates in eliminating harmful bacteria. Furthermore, phages can be modified to carry genes encoding for antibacterial enzymes or antibiotics, thus enhancing their antimicrobial efficacy. Beyond its medical applications, phage engineering also shows promise in addressing environmental issues. Engineered phages can identify and neutralize dangerous bacterial contaminations in water, providing cleaner drinking water and a reduction in the transmission of waterborne illnesses. In the agricultural sector, phage engineering provides a green solution for controlling bacterial plant diseases, minimizing the dependence on chemical pesticides and improving food security. Moreover, phage engineering extends into biotechnology and industry, utilizing engineered phages in biosensors to detect bacterial contamination in food and pharmaceutical products. Phages can also be engineered to produce enzymes or other beneficial substances for industrial uses, demonstrating their utility beyond their natural role as bacterial predators.

As phage engineering positions itself at the forefront of biotechnological innovation, we are seeking original research and review articles for this special topic. Contributions should explore the molecular sciences behind phage applications in the biomedical, industrial, and environmental arenas.

Dr. Apichai Tuanyok
Guest Editor

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• phage
• bacteriophages
• genetic modifications
• enzymess