Bacteriophage endolysins and their role in eradication of bacterial biofilms

Abstract

Biofilm is the protective coating that the bacteria use to thrive in their environment without being damaged by radiation or the effects of antibiotics. Nosocomial infections that are often caused by biofilms have been demonstrated to be very challenging to cure because of their complicated molecular structure and resistance to antibiotics. Biofilms of bacteria that form on the medical equipment pose a risk to patients and facilitate the transmission of infection. Progress has been made in eliminating bacterial biofilms by combining bacteriophage with antibiotics for a synergistic impact and employing the phage-lysin efficiently. The aim of this study was to explore the potential efficacy of phages and lysins alone and/ or in conjunction with antibiotics to combating biofilm conformation and eradication. This review article is broadly divided into two parts; the first section focused on molecular mechanism of biofilm formation and risk of bacterial biofilms in the hospital settings. The second part of the review is giving an insight on bacteriophage derived lytic protein-endolysin, which has emerged as a potential alternative to eliminate bacterial biofilms, and should be explored to combat infections caused by them.