Gel with bacteriophages

Researchers from McMaster University, Canada, have developed a new gel consisting of viruses that destroy bacteria. Among the many possibilities of its application are an antibacterial coating for implants and artificial joints, a sterile base for human tissue growth, environmental cleaning operations and others.

In a laboratory that specializes in the development of engineering solutions for infectious diseases, a group of chemical engineers led by Zeinab Hosseini-Doust grew and accumulated together a large number of bacteriophage viruses. When a certain concentration was reached, the viruses independently collected into liquid crystals. Using a chemical binder, the researchers formed a yellow gelatin-like substance from the resulting mass. The concentration of phages, which was achieved in the laboratory, is unique: one milliliter of the resulting antibacterial gel contains 300 trillion bacteriophages.

Bacteriophages are the most common organisms on Earth, outnumbering all other organisms combined, including bacteria. They are natural predators of bacteria. Wherever there are bacteria, there are phages. The field of phage research is growing rapidly, especially due to the growth of antimicrobial resistance.

Humanity needs new ways to kill bacteria, and bacteriophages are one of the promising alternatives – they can kill bacteria, even those resistant to antibiotics.

It is important to note that the DNA of phages can be modified to target specific cells, including cancer cells. Thanks to the technology that has earned the Nobel Prize, the so-called phage display, it is possible to find phages that absorb even plastic and other debris polluting the environment.

Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of University McMaster: McMaster researchers use friendly viruses to make a gel that can heal itself – and you.