Chinese researchers have identified a novel bacteriophage that offers a highly promising ‘green’ biocontrol solution against food poisoning Salmonella. This research Applied and environmental microbiologyJournal of the American Society for Microbiology.
This research was conducted to address the serious challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Salmonella Contribute to global food safety and public health. Traditional disinfection methods often fail to effectively remove stubborn biofilms formed by bacteria. Salmonella Overuse of antibiotics is further accelerating the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. There is an urgent need to develop new, targeted, and sustainable alternative antimicrobial strategies. Bacteriophages, viruses that can specifically lyse bacteria, offer a very promising solution.
In the new study, researchers isolated bacteriophages that target the target. Salmonella We extracted the wastewater and selected the most effective phage W5 from multiple candidates. The researchers characterized W5’s morphology, stability under various conditions, growth kinetics, and genome sequence to confirm its efficacy and safety. They also evaluated the reduction potential of W5. Salmonella Destroys biofilms on foods (milk, meat, eggs) and food-contact surfaces under realistic storage conditions.
We have discovered a safe and highly effective natural virus (bacteriophage W5) that acts like a precision-guided missile and eliminates harmful substances. Salmonella It can be used in a variety of food and packaging materials and shows great potential as a new guardian of food safety. This study demonstrates that W5 can efficiently lyse airborne bacteria and remove biofilms with high specificity. Genomic analysis further confirmed its safety profile due to the lack of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. ”
Huitian Gou, corresponding study author and professor, School of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University (Lanzhou, China)
The researchers say their discovery establishes a solid foundation for developing new phage-based disinfectants and preservatives, paving the way for innovative ways to combat antibiotic resistance and improve food safety. As a natural biological entity, phage W5 provides a “green” solution for decontamination, aligning with consumer demand for clean label products and sustainable production methods. Leaves no chemical residues harmful to food or the environment.
“We strongly believe that Phage W5 has tremendous potential to be seamlessly integrated across the entire farm-to-fork supply chain. Phage W5 can be incorporated at multiple critical stages, such as as a feed additive in livestock production, as a surface disinfectant in meat processing plants, or even as a preservative spray for fresh produce at the consumer end,” said Gou. “We look forward to working with our industry partners to move this effective green solution from the lab to the market and working together to protect food safety.”
sauce:
American Society for Microbiology
Reference magazines:
Chong, Q. others. (2026). Antibiofilm effect of phage W5 on antimicrobial resistance Salmonella Typhimurium targeting biofilms on dairy/meat/eggs and food processing surfaces (PP/PE). Applied and environmental microbiology. DOI: 10.1128/aem.01878-25. https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.01878-25
