Phage-ligand technology

The Phage-ligand technology is a technology to detect, bind and remove bacteria and bacterial toxins by using highly specific bacteriophage derived proteins.

Origins
The host recognition of bacteriophages occur via bacteria-binding proteins that have strong binding affinities to specific protein or carbohydrate structures on the surface of the bacterial host. At the end of the infection life cycle the bacteria-lysing Endolysin is synthesized and degrades the bacterial peptidoglycan cell wall, resulting in lysis (and therefore killing) of the bacterial cell.

Applications
Bacteriophage derived proteins are used for detection and removal of bacteria and bacterial components (especially endotoxin contaminations) in pharmaceutical and biological products, human diagnostics, food,  and decolonization of bacteria causing nosocomial infections (e.g. MRSA). Protein modifications allow the biotechnological adaption to specific requirements.