05 January 2024 | Marta Gliźniewicz, Dominika Mitek, Patrycja Olszewska, Artur Czajkowski, Natalia Serwin, Elżbieta Cecerska-Heryć, Barbara Dołęgowska and Bartłomiej Grygorcewicz
This review summarizes advances in bacteriophage-mediated strategies for combating polymicrobial biofilms. Bacteria and fungi often coexist in biofilms, which are more difficult to remove than planktonic forms due to the protective matrix. Biofilms are resistant to antibiotics, disinfectants, and the immune system, making traditional therapies ineffective. Bacteriophages, which infect bacteria, have emerged as promising alternatives, either alone or in combination with antibiotics and other agents. Phages can target specific bacteria and may help overcome antibiotic resistance. In vitro studies have shown that phages can disrupt biofilms by breaking down the matrix and killing bacteria. Phage-antibiotic synergy has also been explored, with some combinations showing enhanced effectiveness. Phage-derived enzymes, such as depolymerases, can degrade biofilm components. Phages can also be used in combination with other treatments, such as nanoparticles or disinfectants, to improve biofilm eradication. Phage therapy has shown promise in treating chronic infections, including bone and joint infections, and has been successfully applied in clinical cases. However, challenges remain, including phage resistance, delivery to target sites, and the need for further research to optimize phage therapy. The review highlights the potential of phage therapy as a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics in combating biofilm-related infections.This review summarizes advances in bacteriophage-mediated strategies for combating polymicrobial biofilms. Bacteria and fungi often coexist in biofilms, which are more difficult to remove than planktonic forms due to the protective matrix. Biofilms are resistant to antibiotics, disinfectants, and the immune system, making traditional therapies ineffective. Bacteriophages, which infect bacteria, have emerged as promising alternatives, either alone or in combination with antibiotics and other agents. Phages can target specific bacteria and may help overcome antibiotic resistance. In vitro studies have shown that phages can disrupt biofilms by breaking down the matrix and killing bacteria. Phage-antibiotic synergy has also been explored, with some combinations showing enhanced effectiveness. Phage-derived enzymes, such as depolymerases, can degrade biofilm components. Phages can also be used in combination with other treatments, such as nanoparticles or disinfectants, to improve biofilm eradication. Phage therapy has shown promise in treating chronic infections, including bone and joint infections, and has been successfully applied in clinical cases. However, challenges remain, including phage resistance, delivery to target sites, and the need for further research to optimize phage therapy. The review highlights the potential of phage therapy as a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics in combating biofilm-related infections.