Application of coliphage as biocontrol agent in combination with gamma irradiation to eliminate multi-drug-resistant E. coli in minimally processed vegetables

Abstract

Biofilm formation is a rising concern in the food industry. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most important food-borne pathogens that can survive in food and food-related environments and eventually produce biofilms. This study suggested that both coliphages used were successful in preventing the creation of new biofilms as well as removing existing ones. Confocal laser scanning microscopy verified these findings. According to the findings, neither coliphage survived at 37 °C, but both remained stable at 4 °C and − 20 °C for extended periods of time. The study revealed that both coliphages demonstrated a greater degree of gamma irradiation resistance when compared to E. coli. The study’s results indicate that the implementation of a dual method, which incorporates gamma irradiation (1.5 kGy) and coliphage treatment, on various kinds of vegetables that were infected with E. coli, resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial count (surpassing 99.99%) following a 24-h incubation period. Combining gamma irradiation and the coliphage approach was significantly effective at lowering polysaccharide concentrations and proteins in the biofilm matrix. The results revealed that the pairing of gamma irradiation and coliphages acted in conjunction to cause disruptions in the matrix of biofilm, thereby promoting cell removal compared with either of the individual treatments. Ca+ ions strengthen the weak virion interaction with the relevant bacterial host cell receptors during the adsorption process. In conclusion, use of coliphage in combination with gamma irradiation treatment can be applied to improve fresh produce’s microbial safety and enhance its storability in supermarkets. Graphical Abstract

Isolation and characterization of coliphages from different water sources and their biocontrol application combined with electron beam irradiation for elimination of E. coli in domestic wastewater

“…A combination of bacteriophage and an electron beam significantly decreased the development of antibioticresistant cells in E. coli. According to several studies, combination treatments are more effective at reducing bacterial levels than each medication alone (Hieke and Pillai 2018;Osman et al 2023;Abou El-Nour et al 2023). Thus, the primary goals of this study were to isolate and characterize coliphages from different water sources, to improve bacteriophage lytic activity by optimizing various environmental conditions, and to be used either individually or in combination with EBI to eliminate multidrug-resistant E. coli, which is the most common contaminant in wastewater treatment plants.…”