Lytic phage with high specificity towards pathogenic escherichia coli

Abstract

Herein are presented methods for incorporating a novel bacteriophage, CAM-21, that exhibits lytic activity against pathogenic E. coli, into food, food packaging, films, and quantum dot-based biosensors. The bacteriophage contains no genes associated with toxins, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, lysogeny, or allergens. Methods are provided for encapsulating the bacteriophage with proteins and/or carbohydrate materials to enhance stability. Various films in which the bacteriophage are incorporated, and which similarly exhibit suppression of pathogenic E. coli, are also provided. Additionally, when conjugated with N-doped graphene quantum dots, CAM-21 enables biosensor development for E. coli detection in food products through altered photoluminescence emission spectra, and methods for making and using such biosensors are provided.

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