Characterization of the cold-adapted broad-spectrum bacteriophage PJNS034 and its application in controlling pathogenic bacteria in dairy products
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A bacteriophage, PJNS034, was isolated from sewage samples using Escherichia coli as a host for phage propagation. PJNS034 exhibits broad-spectrum lytic ability, strong cold adaptation, and its genomic characteristics indicate that it belongs to a new classification. Experimental results indicated that PJNS034 effectively lysed E. coli and Salmonella of various serotypes, and significantly inhibiting their proliferation in LB broth and milk. It is worth noting that the optimal growth temperature of PJNS034 is 20 °C, and PJNS034 remains active at 4 °C. However, at 37 °C, the phage activity decreases by approximately 99.99% compared to 20 °C. This temperature sensitivity makes it highly suitable for milk cold chain transportation, while ensuring safety during food processing and consumption. Receptor analysis shows that PJNS034 possesses multiple receptor recognition sites, meaning it can attach and infect E. coli by recognizing lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and can also recognize Salmonella through the mediation of MFS transport proteins. Genomic analysis revealed that PJNS034 is a 65,715 bp circular double-stranded DNA bacteriophage with a CG content of 45.4 (mol/100 mol), and no genes related to virulence or resistance were detected. The whole-genome phylogenetic tree and proteomic tree indicate that PJNS034 forms an independent branch in terms of classification. Comparative genomic analysis further confirmed that the sequence similarity between PJNS034 and its most similar phages is below 70%. Therefore, PJNS034, as a novel broad-spectrum lytic bacteriophage, has great potential for application in food cold chain transportation due to its excellent temperature adaptability. This study highlights the potential of PJNS034 in enhancing food safety, particularly in controlling pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella in dairy products, offering an effective alternative to traditional chemical preservatives. • A novel broad-spectrum phage, PJNS034, was isolated and identified. • PJNS034 showed significant bacteriostatic effects against E. coli and Salmonella . • PJNS034 exhibits cold adaptability, maintaining stable antibacterial activity at 4 °C. • PJNS034 is highly suitable for application in the milk cold chain transport process. • PJNS034 can infect different bacteria through different receptor recognition sites.
Source: LWT
Authors: Xiaotian Wei, Xiaoqian Wang, Yan Tang, Ying Wang, Yumei Cai
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,240
OpenAlex ID: W4409009972