Bacteriophages and Their Enzymes: Allies Against Microbial Biofilms
Fohad Mabood Husain, Andaleeb Zahra, Asghar Ali, Mohan Kamthan, Nasser Abdulatif Al‐Shabib, Zeba Farooqui, Naved Ahmad, Thamer Albalawi, Pravej Alam, Nayla Munawar
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms pose a substantial challenge in healthcare and industrial and environmental settings because of their resilience and antibiotic resistance. Biofilm formation is a complex process involving microbial communities encased in an extracellular matrix that contributes to increased resistance and persistent infections. This review explores the emerging roles of bacteriophages and their derived enzymes as promising alternatives or adjunct therapies to combat bacterial biofilms. Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, exhibit marked specificity and diverse mechanisms for targeting and lysing bacterial cells within biofilms. Enzymes, including endolysins and depolymerases, have demonstrated efficacy in disrupting biofilm matrices. Moreover, the potential synergy between bacteriophages and antibiotics enhances their antimicrobial activity, providing a multifaceted approach for combating biofilm-associated infections. This review critically evaluates the current research, highlighting the successes and limitations of bacteriophage-based strategies in biofilm control, and underscores the potential of these alternatives in shaping future therapeutic interventions against biofilm-related bacterial infections.