Harnessing Nature’s Own Virus: Bacteriophages as a Sustainable Solution for Biofouling
Our understanding of viruses was expanded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result, we frequently consider viruses to be exclusively harmful organisms. Phages, also known as bacteriophages, are one type of virus that has been bestowed upon humans by nature. Phages are a category of viruses that have been identified as having positive functions. Because these viruses are only capable of attacking bacteria, they are an extremely effective instrument for managing bacterial populations. Phages, which are the most dominating biological organisms on Earth, have a number that is 10 times more than that of bacteria, which is a surprising fact. They are, in many aspects, the equivalent of dark matter in the world of microbes; they are everywhere, but they are frequently skipped over.
Phages were first discovered by Frederick Twort and Felix d'Herelle, who independently proposed their potential use in combating bacterial infections. Phages, on the other hand, became less of a focus for scientists as a result of the rapid development of antibiotics during World War II. Since the appearance of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, researchers have rekindled their interest in phages for a variety of applications in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and industry.
The Problem of Biofouling in Power Plants
The use of phages in the prevention of biofouling in industrial environments is one of the most recent applications of phage research. For cooling purposes, power plants rely on huge volumes of seawater, which attracts minute marine organisms such as bacteria, plankton, and invertebrate larvae into the canals that carry the cooling water. An example of this is the condition known as biofouling, which occurs when marine barnacles settle inside cooling water pipelines and develop into adults with calcareous structures that restrict water movement.
Traditionally, power plants have used chlorine to counteract biofouling by adding it to the seawater that is being brought in. This is done with the intention of preventing bacterial biofilms and settlement of barnacle larvae. The efficiency of this strategy, however, has been diminished as a result of the fact that these organisms have developed resistance to chlorine over time. In light of the fact that raising the chlorine dosage posed concerns to the environment, we looked for sustainable alternate options.
Bacteriophages: A Natural Alternative
Because bacterial biofilms play a significant part in the process of larval settling, we conducted research on the utilization of bacteriophages as a means of targeting bacteria that create such biofilms. In our research, we found that there are certain bacteria whose biofilms encourage the chemical cue-based settlement of these larval populations. The elimination of these bacteria may result in the cessation of the development of biofouling. Our approach was based on a straightforward concept, which was to employ bacteriophages to eradicate only those bacteria that encourage the settlement of barnacle larvae onto the surface of pipes.
One of the many robust biofilm-forming marine bacteria that may be found in the cooling systems of power plants was studied, and it was discovered that this particular bacterium plays a substantial role in boosting larval colonization and biofouling. The phages that are unique to this bacterium were isolated and analyzed in order to establish their genetic properties. The findings were encouraging; these phages were able to successfully eliminate the biofilms that were targeted, which indicated a substantial level of effectiveness in preventing biofouling.
Figure: Bacteriophage-based Industrial Biofouling Control
Advantages of Phage-Based Biofouling Control
Phage-based strategies offer several advantages over conventional biocides like chlorine
Environmental Sustainability: Phages, in contrast to chlorine, which kills all marine species without discrimination, specifically target the bacterial host from which they originate, hence reducing the amount of ecological harm that occurs.
Cost-Effectiveness: Phages are inherently self-regulating; once the bacteria that they are targeting have been eliminated, the phages also reduce, which results in a reduction in the expenditures associated with maintenance.
Reduced Resistance Development – Phages, in contrast to chemical treatments, co-evolve with bacteria, which reduces the likelihood of resistance and resistance development.
A Game-Changer for Industrial Cooling Systems
With the help of this bacteriophage-based method, a significant step forward in the direction of long-term biofouling prevention has been accomplished. Through the utilization of naturally occurring bacterial predators, power plants are able to maximize their operations while simultaneously lowering their impact on the environment. Phages are demonstrating that not all viruses are evil guys; in fact, some viruses, such as bacteriophages, are allies in their battle against bacteria that are not desired. Our research implies that these viruses may soon revolutionize the way biofouling management is handled in a variety of different entities. As is customary, it would appear that nature has provided us with the perfect solution to one of the world's most pressing issues.
The information and opinions expressed in this blog post represent those of the original author of the blog. They do not necessarily reflect and represent the views and opinions of the Phage Collection Project or its staff.