Phage-ligand technology

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The Phage-ligand technology is a technology to detect, bind and remove bacteria and bacterial toxins by using highly specific bacteriophage derived proteins.[1]

Origins[edit]

The host recognition of bacteriophages occur via bacteria-binding proteins that have strong binding affinities to specific protein or carbohydrate structures on the surface of the bacterial host. At the end of the infection life cycle the bacteria-lysing Endolysin is synthesized and degrades the bacterial peptidoglycan cell wall, resulting in lysis (and therefore killing) of the bacterial cell.

Applications[edit]

Bacteriophage derived proteins are used for detection and removal of bacteria[2][3] and bacterial components (especially endotoxin contaminations) in pharmaceutical and biological products, human diagnostics, food,[4][5] and decolonization of bacteria causing nosocomial infections (e.g. MRSA). Protein modifications allow the biotechnological adaption to specific requirements.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Technological background
  2. ^ Kretzer JW, Lehmann R, Banz M, Kim KP, Korn C. Loessner MJ (2007) Use of high affinity cell wall-binding domains of bacteriophage endolysins for immobilization and separation of bacterial cells. Appl Environ Microbiol 73:1992-2000
  3. ^ Rozand, C., Feng, P. C. H. (2009). Specificity analysis of a novel phage-derived ligand in an Enzyme-linked fluorescent assay for detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7. J. food protection 72, 1078-1081.
  4. ^ "Bacteriophages - New Applications in Food Microbiology" (PDF), BioFood (3): 2, December 2006, archived from the original (PDF) on 1 October 2011
  5. ^ Applications of the phage-ligand technology (endotoxin detection, endotoxin removal, food safety testing)