Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages (also known as phages) are a type of virus that infect and replicate within bacteria. They are composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein shell. Phages have been widely studied as a potential strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, as they are able to target specific bacteria types, while leaving human or animal host cells unaffected. In addition, they have been shown to reduce biofilm formation and virulence in bacterial pathogens. They have potential applications in the food industry, where they can be used to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacterial strains and improve food safety, as well as in agriculture, to control plant-pathogenic bacteria.