Phage therapy is emerging as a potential solution to antibiotic resistance and superbugs, with clinical advances in bacteriophage research. Researchers at Aarhus University report a proof-of-concept DNA needle inspired by bacteriophages that can deliver molecules directly into cells and help them remain active. In laboratory experiments, ...

Understanding the Context

Researchers at Aarhus University have built a DNA nanostructure shaped like a bacteriophage needle that can recognize specific cancer cells, puncture their membranes, and release a therapeutic payload ... A bacteriophage (/ bækˈtɪrioʊfeɪdʒ /), also known informally as a phage (/ ˈfeɪdʒ /), is a virus that infects and replicates within bacteria. The term is derived from Ancient Greek φαγεῖν (phagein) 'to devour' and bacteria. A bacteriophage is any of a group of viruses that infect bacteria.

Key Insights

Bacteriophages were discovered independently by Frederick W. Twort in Great Britain (1915) and Felix d’Herelle in France (1917). Thousands of varieties of phages exist. Certain types serve key roles in laboratory research. Bacteriophage or Phage is a virus that infects and replicates only within the body of bacteria.

Final Thoughts

Bacteriophages were discovered independently by Frederick W. Twort in the U.K and Félix d’Hérelle in France. Bacteriophages are widely distributed in nature, and it is estimated that the number of bacteriophages is 10 times greater than that of bacteria (Labrie et al., 2010). The bacteriophage structure is simple and non-cellular, which is mainly composed of protein shell and genetic material nucleic acid. A bacteriophage is a virus that infects and replicates exclusively within bacteria. The term, coined by Félix d’Hérelle, means “bacteria-eater.” Phages are composed of proteins encasing their genetic material, which can be DNA or RNA, and often feature a polyhedral head and a helical tail.