Recent knowledge in phages, phage-encoded endolysin, and phage encapsulation against foodborne pathogens

Abstract

The use of antibiotics had reached a plateau due to antibiotic resistance, overuse, and residue. Bacteriophages have recently attracted considerable attention as alternative biocontrol agents. Here, we provide an up-to-date overview of phage applications in the food industry. We reviewed recently reported phages against ten typical foodborne pathogens, studies of competitive phage-encoded endolysins, and the primary outcomes of phage encapsulation in food packaging and pathogen detection. Furthermore, we identified existing barriers that still need to be addressed and proposed potential solutions to overcome these obstacles in the future.

Keywords:

• Phage
• phage-encoded endolysin
• phage encapsulation
• food packing
• foodborne pathogen

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

We acknowledge the support from National Natural Science Foundation of China (32000004), Key R&D Plan of Shandong Province (No. 2022CXGC010604), Qingdao Special Food Research Institute Research Fund (No. 6602422203), Qingdao Agricultural University Research Fund for High Level Professionals (No. 1120088), and Breeding Plan of Shandong Provincial Qingchuang Research Team-Innovation Team of Functional Plant Protein-Based Food (2021).