Phage as a prospective arsenal against superbugs

Abstract

The escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates the urgent development of alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy, which utilizes viruses that specifically infect and lyse bacteria, has re-emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. This review comprehensively examines the current landscape, beginning with the modern, genome-based classification of phages and detailing their key therapeutic advantages, including high specificity, self-amplification, and biofilm-penetrating capability. We explore advanced biotechnological applications such as genetic engineering of phages, the use of phage-derived proteins, and synergistic phage-antibiotic combinations (PAS). The translational workflow from phage sourcing and biobanking to characterization, formulation, and clinical delivery is critically analyzed, alongside major therapeutic areas like chronic wounds and pulmonary infections. Despite promising clinical evidence from compassionate use and trials, significant scientific, regulatory, and commercial hurdles remain. The integration of synthetic biology and artificial intelligence is poised to overcome these challenges, steering phage therapy toward becoming a precise and adaptable component of the modern antimicrobial arsenal.