Nanoparticles Influence Lytic Phage T4-like Performance In Vitro

Abstract

Little is known about interactions of non-filamentous, complex-structured lytic phages and free, non-ordered nanoparticles. Emerging questions about their possible bio-sanitization co-applications or predictions of possible contact effects in the environment require testing. Therefore, we revealed the influence of various nanoparticles (NPs; SiO2, TiO2-SiO2, TiO2, Fe3O4, Fe3O4-SiO2 and SiO2-Fe3O4-TiO2) on a T4-like phage. In great detail, we investigated phage plaque-forming ability, phage lytic performance, phage progeny burst times and titers by the eclipse phase determinations. Additionally, it was proved that TEM micrographs and results of NP zeta potentials (ZP) were crucial to explain the obtained microbiological data. We propose that the mere presence of the nanoparticle charge is not sufficient for the phage to attach specifically to the NPs, consequently influencing the phage performance. The zeta potential values in the NPs are of the greatest influence. The threshold values were established at ZP < −35 (mV) for phage tail binding, and ZP > 35 (mV) for phage head binding. When NPs do not meet these requirements, phage–nanoparticle physical interaction becomes nonspecific. We also showed that NPs altered the phage lytic activity, regardless of the used NP concentration. Most of the tested nanoparticles positively influenced the phage lytic performance, except for SiO2 and Fe3O4-SiO2, with a ZP lower than −35 (mV), binding with the phage infective part—the tail.

Nanotechnology improves the detection of bacteria: Recent advances and future perspectives

“…They offer tailored nanocarriers for the targeted distribution of therapeutic drugs and diagnostic reporter molecules, showcasing their versatility and potential in the field. Additionally, research is being done to see how bacteriophages and nanomaterials can work together more effectively [ 89 ]. In this sense, targeted ligand displays on the phage's surface offer adaptability and great specificity [ 90 ].…”

Characterization of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli bacteriophages isolated from agricultural environments and examination of their prevalence with bacterial hosts

“…The zeta potential value of all isolates tested was negative (À10 mV on average) at neutral pH, which was in agreement with the previous reports (Hao et al, 2019;Hosseinidoust et al, 2011;Passaretti et al, 2020) and the average electrophoretic mobility was À0.75 μmcm V À1 s À1 . Zeta potential measurements provide information about the electrostatic charges on the surface of bacteriophages which is important during its adsorption to the surfaces of host cells and other materials such as nanoparticles (Grygorcewicz et al, 2022;Stachurska et al, 2022). Electrostatic repulsions based on zeta potentials between bacteriophages and their host cells can be reduced or eliminated by applying nano-emulsions, thus enhancing infectivity (Esteban et al, 2016).…”

The use of plant extracts and bacteriophages as an alternative therapy approach in combating bacterial infections: the study of lytic phages andStevia rebaudiana

“…Coincubation studies of phages and S. rebaudiana extracts. For direct phage-extract interactions testing, a coincubation experiment was performed (34). The test was carried out in order to reveal the influence of extracts on bacteriophages plaque forming ability and phage titers.…”

“…Together with their diversified size, hydrophobicity and electric charge, bacteriophages interact with other materials and factors in various ways, including stimulating or inhibiting effects. An example would be the alteration of a phage's lytic activity as a result of synergistic or antagonistic influence (45,34). Moreover, their easy handling and ability to be cultivated in standard laboratory media are significant advantages that make bacteriophages easy to "produce".…”