Review Article

Bacteriophages and Their Immunological Applications against Infectious Threats

Table 2

Biofilm control by EPS depolymerase studies in vitro.

Target pathogenObservationsConcernsReferences

Pseudomonas putidaBiofilm clearance: significant variations
between bacterial strains upon biofilm aging
Reduction of aged biofilm susceptibility to
phage infection because of their thickness and
phenotypic changes
[74]
Klebsiella pneumoniaeGreater biofilm clearance if cotreated with ciprofloxacinPossible inhibition of depolymerase activity
by ciprofloxacin
[75]
Escherichia coliDepolymerase-producing phage construct
capable of biofilm clearance
Results obtained for an engineered T7 strain[76]
Enterobacter cloaceBiofilm clearance with depolymerase-producing
phage; enhancement of chemical antibacterial
penetration after phage-free
depolymerase treatment
Combinations of three phages required
for eradication of single-species biofilms;
ineffective treatment of dual-species biofilms
[77]
Pseudomonas aeruginosaOld biofilm clearance (20 days)Bacteriophage migration facilitated by
reduction of alginate viscosity
[78]
Enterobacter agglomerans
and Serratia marcescens
Phage-resistant bacteria biofilm clearance with
treatment of phage or phage-free depolymerase
Little differences in the chemical composition
of EPS prevent the degradation of the polymer
[79]
Enterobacter agglomeransDual-species biofilm clearance with phage-free
depolymerase
Specific depolymerase: no degradation of
single biofilms of Klebsiella pneumoniae’s EPS
[80]