Article
Infectious Diseases
Addisu D. D. Teklemariam, Rashad R. R. Al-Hindi, Mona G. G. Alharbi, Ibrahim Alotibi, Sheren A. A. Azhari, Ishtiaq Qadri, Turki Alamri, Ahmed Esmael, Steve Harakeh
Summary: Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is a major public health threat and this study isolated a lytic bacteriophage vB_PseuP-SA22, belonging to the genus Bruynoghevirus, which showed good activity against CRPA strains. The phage had a stable existence under a wide pH range and could reduce the number of live bacteria in P. aeruginosa biofilm. However, further in vivo studies are needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy before clinical use.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Golnar Rahimzadeh, Mohammad Ali Zazouli, Mohammad Sadegh Rezai
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the potential of phage in controlling Pseudomonas aeruginosa on infected hard surfaces. The results showed that phage can effectively reduce the number of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on contaminated surfaces.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Victor M. Balcao, Fernanda C. Moreli, Erica C. Silva, Bianca G. Belline, Layla F. Martins, Fernando P. N. Rossi, Carla Pereira, Marta M. D. C. Vila, Aline M. da Silva
Summary: This study reports the isolation and characterization of a novel lytic phage, Kpn31, which shows potential for controlling infections caused by multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae.
Article
Microbiology
Xiao Wang, Jingjing Tang, Wen Dang, Zhen Xie, Fuhua Zhang, Xinwei Hao, Sihuai Sun, Xuan Liu, Yi Luo, Mengyuan Li, Yanchao Gu, Yao Wang, Qiwei Chen, Xihui Shen, Lei Xu
Summary: In this study, three bacteriophages capable of infecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated and their biological characteristics were investigated. The experiment showed that these phages were stable in different environments and could reduce P. aeruginosa biofilms, suggesting their potential as candidates for treating P. aeruginosa infections.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Virology
Ismahen Akremi, Maya Merabishvili, Mouna Jlidi, Adel Haj Brahim, Manel Ben Ali, Anis Karoui, Rob Lavigne, Jeroen Wagemans, Jean-Paul Pirnay, Mamdouh Ben Ali
Summary: This study isolated and identified four lytic Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophages, which showed activity against a wide range of P. aeruginosa strains under various temperature and pH conditions. The phages had high sequence identity to Pseudomonas phage PAK_P1 and were assigned to the Pakpunavirus genus. This research contributes to establishing phage therapy as an alternative strategy for managing multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections in Tunisia.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Isaac Martin, Sandra Morales, Eric W. F. W. Alton, Jane C. Davies
Summary: This study found that bacteriophages can be used as adjuncts to treatment for antibiotic refractory infections, and the combination of phages with certain antibiotics may have synergistic effects. Furthermore, phages showed good bactericidal effects against antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa), which may be relevant to ongoing clinical trials.
Article
Microbiology
Nataliia Korniienko, Alla Kharina, Nikita Zrelovs, Barbora Jindrichova, Tomas Moravec, Iryna Budzanivska, Lenka Burketova, Tetiana Kalachova
Summary: In this study, two phages were isolated from market-bought pepper fruit and characterized. One of the phages was found to significantly inhibit the propagation of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in plant tissues. This research contributes to the understanding of phage-host interactions in different plant systems and suggests the potential use of this phage as a biocontrol agent.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jun Kwon, Sang Wha Kim, Sang Guen Kim, Jeong Woo Kang, Won Joon Jung, Sung Bin Lee, Young Min Lee, Sib Sankar Giri, Cheng Chi, Se Chang Park
Summary: This study isolated and characterized a novel bacteriophage, pPa_SNUABM_DT01, with strong lytic ability against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that this phage may belong to a novel genus. The phage showed potential as an alternative to antibiotics for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
Article
Virology
Feng Chen, Xingjun Cheng, Jianbo Li, Xiefang Yuan, Xiuhua Huang, Mao Lian, Wenfang Li, Tianfang Huang, Yaliu Xie, Jie Liu, Pan Gao, Xiawei Wei, Zhenling Wang, Min Wu
Summary: This study isolated and characterized lytic phages specific for Pseudomonas aeruginosa from various environments and identified therapeutic phages with broad host ranges capable of lysing both laboratory strains and clinical isolates of MDR P. aeruginosa in vitro and in mouse models. Through genome sequencing and computational analysis, critical genetic traits related to high-level broad-host-range coverages were analyzed. These novel phages show potential for further development as therapeutic options against patients who fail to respond to conventional treatments.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Bahareh Lashtoo Aghaee, Mohammadali Khan Mirzaei, Mohammad Yousef Alikhani, Ali Mojtahedi, Corinne F. Maurice
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a significant global threat, and using a combination of phages and antibiotics may be an effective strategy for treating multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xuemei Duan, Liming Jiang, Ming Guo, Chenghua Li
Summary: In this study, a virulent phage vB_VspM_VS1, which infects the pathogenic bacterium V. splendidus, was isolated from aquaculture ponds in Dalian, China. The complete genome of vB_VspM_VS1 was characterized, and it was found to inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of V. splendidus.
Article
Immunology
In-Young Chung, Bi-O Kim, Ju-Hyun Han, Jonggwan Park, Hee Kyoung Kang, Yoonkyung Park, You-Hee Cho
Summary: The study reveals a new method inspired by phages for antibacterial discovery. Critical residues in the bioactivity of the Tip protein were identified, and a synthetic 15-aa peptide P1 showed potential in inhibiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
Article
Microbiology
Ryan D. Heselpoth, Chad W. Euler, Vincent A. Fischetti
Summary: This study evaluates the antibacterial properties of a modified cationic peptide, PaP1, derived from the broad-acting lysin PlyPa01. PaP1 exhibits potent in vitro bactericidal activity against high priority Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains. The peptide is effective against both planktonic and biofilm-state bacteria, and it is non-toxic to human cells. In addition, PaP1 enhances the potency of topical antibiotics in treating chronic wound infections in a murine model.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Joshua Aaron, Leonardo J. van Zyl, Leon M. T. Dicks
Summary: Proteus mirabilis is a major cause of complicated urinary tract infections and catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Treatment is difficult due to its biofilm forming abilities, but phage therapy and catheter coating with phages have shown promising results.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aliaa Abdelghafar, Amira El-Ganiny, Ghada Shaker, Momen Askoura
Summary: In this study, a novel phage vB_PaeP_PS28 with high lytic activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from sewage. The phage showed effective inhibition on the growth of planktonic cells and degradation of biofilms. In a mice infection model, treatment with the isolated phage significantly enhanced the survival rate and reduced the bacterial load in liver and kidney. These findings support the potential application of phage therapy in treating P. aeruginosa infections.
Article
Virology
Zhongchao Zhao, Joseph Che-Yen Wang, Giovanni Gonzalez-Gutierrez, Balasubramanian Venkatakrishnan, Roi Asor, Daniel Khaykelson, Uri Raviv, Adam Zlotnick
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Roi Asor, Lisa Selzer, Christopher John Schlicksup, Zhongchao Zhao, Adam Zlotnick, Uri Raviv
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhongchao Zhao, Joseph Che-Yen Wang, Carolina Perez Segura, Jodi A. Hadden-Perilla, Adam Zlotnick
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Roi Asor, Christopher John Schlicksup, Zhongchao Zhao, Adam Zlotnick, Uri Raviv
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angela Patterson, Zhongchao Zhao, Elizabeth Waymire, Adam Zlotnick, Brian Bothner
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhongchao Zhao, Joseph Che-Yen Wang, Mi Zhang, Nicholas A. Lyktey, Martin F. Jarrold, Stephen C. Jacobson, Adam Zlotnick
Summary: The study demonstrates the design of asymmetric subunits with different growth rates, leading to the formation of capsids with discrete patches and potential for distinct surface chemistries. This provides a new method for generating asymmetric particles with unique properties in the field of virology and nanotechnology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Parathan Ramamurthi, Zhongchao Zhao, Eamonn Burke, Nicole F. Steinmetz, Markus Mullner
Summary: Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems show promise in cancer therapy, with superior selectivity and tumor accumulation compared to small-molecule therapeutics. This study examines the role of molecular polymer bottlebrushes (MPBs) as potential drug delivery vehicles, specifically focusing on the influence of hydrophobicity levels on cell association and tumor homing. The results demonstrate that increasing hydrophobicity in MPBs leads to enhanced tumor accumulation and homing, highlighting the importance of hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance in MPB composition.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhong-Chao Zhao, Jing Ning, Jie Su, Qing-Wei Jiang, Geng Liu, Ding-Hui Liu, Qi Gao, Ao Wang
Summary: Ultra high-strength M54 steel blocks were fabricated using laser metal deposition, and the microstructure and mechanical behavior of the material were systematically investigated. The results showed that the material exhibited anisotropic microstructure and mechanical properties, with different cellular structures on different cross-sections.
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhongchao Zhao, Andrea Simms, Nicole F. Steinmetz
Summary: This study utilizes tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) protein nanotubes as drug carriers to deliver platinum therapies to ovarian tumors, increasing efficacy and maintaining safety. It demonstrates superior efficacy compared to free drugs in mouse models and may induce immune response against tumors.
Article
Microbiology
Jessica Fernanda Affonso de Oliveira, Zhongchao Zhao, Yi Xiang, Matthew D. D. Shin, Kathleen Elizabeth Villasenor, Xinyi Deng, Sourabh Shukla, Shaochen Chen, Nicole F. Steinmetz
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the development of various vaccines, including mRNA-based ones. However, these vaccines have limitations such as the need for cold chain storage and declining antibody levels. To overcome these challenges, a research team has developed COVID-19 vaccine candidates based on a highly conserved SARS CoV-2 antigen.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Krister J. Barkovich, Zhuohong Wu, Zhongchao Zhao, Andrea Simms, Eric Y. Chang, Nicole F. Steinmetz
Summary: An ongoing challenge in precision medicine is efficient delivery of therapeutics to specific tissues or organs. Nanoparticle delivery systems have the potential to overcome traditional limitations of drug and gene delivery. Physalis mottle virus-like nanoparticles (PhMV VLPs) are a promising nanocarrier platform that can be chemically targeted on both surfaces. Recent research has successfully improved the internal loading capacity of these nanoparticles, making them even more suitable for targeted delivery of small-molecule drugs and imaging reagents in vivo.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Krister J. Barkovich, Zhongchao Zhao, Nicole F. Steinmetz
Summary: Nanomedicine shows promise for molecular treatment. Targeted delivery of nanoparticles to specific tissues, especially cancerous ones, remains a challenge. In this study, iRGD peptides were conjugated to Physalis mottle virus-like nanoparticles, resulting in targeted uptake by tumor cells and homing in tumors in vivo. Furthermore, these targeted nanoparticles loaded with the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin demonstrated increased potency in a mouse model of cancer. These findings validate the potential of iRGD-PhMV as a platform for targeted delivery of molecular cargo to tumors.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Zhongchao Zhao, Oscar A. Ortega-Rivera, Young Hun Chung, Andrea Simms, Nicole F. Steinmetz
Summary: Ovarian cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in women, often diagnosed at a late stage. Surgical removal of tumors and chemotherapy provide temporary relief, but most patients experience relapse. This study highlights the importance of developing vaccines to stimulate the immune system and prevent recurrence of ovarian cancer.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Sourabh Shukla, Chao Wang, Veronique Beiss, Hui Cai, Torus Washington, Abner A. Murray, Xingjian Gong, Zhongchao Zhao, Hema Masarapu, Adam Zlotnick, Steven Fiering, Nicole F. Steinmetz
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2020)