Bacteriophages as Biocontrol Agents of Biofilm Infections Associated with Abiotic Prosthetic Devices

Abstract

The use of abiotic prosthetic devices forms an integral component of regenerative medicine in case of tissue or organ failure. The biomaterials used for the devices are prone to microbial infections in the form of microbial biofilms. Biofilms are microbial colonies that adhere to abiotic or biotic surface and are characterized with the secretion of quorum sensing molecules and an enveloping exopolymeric matrix that protect its micro-residents from antimicrobial substances and immune response, making them highly recalcitrant and difficult to eradicate. Lytic bacteriophages are viruses that are bacteria-specific intracellular predators with the ability to penetrate microbial biofilms and eradicate them. The use of bacteriophages to treat microbial biofilm infections is gaining popularity as phage therapy, and this review explores the use of bacteriophage therapy in control of biofilm infections associated with abiotic prosthetic devices.