Establishment of a bacteriophage catalogue: Phage isolation, characterization, and catalogue compilation

Introduction: Bacteriophages are recognized for their potential contribution towards enhancing food safety through their use as biocontrol agents in the food industry. Moreover, they are being explored as alternative human therapeutics, particularly in response to the growing need for antibiotic alternatives. Recognizing their significance as potential biocontrol and therapy tools, the Bacteriophage Competence Centre of the Max Rubner-Institut (MRI) aims to create a Bacteriophage Catalogue containing phages that can be provided for research.

Goals: The objectives includes isolating phages from various environmental sources, characterizing their morphological and genomic features, and presenting the compiled information as standardized profiles in a catalogue that will be available in a public repository and from which the phages can be ordered by researchers.

Materials & Methods: Phages were isolated from environmental samples using established protocols, followed by purification and amplification. Characterization involved morphological and genomic analysis. Standardized data, including host range and key genomic features are recorded. The compiled information is formatted into concise profiles for inclusion in the catalogue.

Results: A collection of phages for E. coli, Enterococcus, Salmonella, Pseudomonas and other bacterial strains that are successively listed in the catalogue will be made available. Morphological analysis revealed a spectrum of phage shapes and sizes, while genomic sequencing provided insights into their genetic diversity. The host range data demonstrated specificity, further highlighting the uniqueness of each phage.

Summary: In summary, our institute has successfully isolated, characterized, and compiled a diverse array of phages to establish a comprehensive catalogue. This catalogue, intended for publication in an open data repository, serves as a valuable resource for the scientific community. By providing detailed information on phage morphology, genomics, and host range, we aim to facilitate research in this field and promote the sustainable use of phages in food industry and clinics, subject of course to local governmental regulations.