Just as athletes train to enhance their performance, our laboratory has created a controlled “training ground” for bacteriophages to strengthen and increase their efficacy against target bacteria, entirely through natural processes.
This initiative, led by our Discovery team, applies a methodology known as in vitro evolution, an R&D effort designed to select, in a fully natural manner, improved versions of phages. It represents a critical step in combating outbreaks of Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria safely, specifically, and effectively, without relying on genetically modified organisms and as part of a broader set of strategic initiatives to ensure sustainable results over time.
“Bacteria present in the field evolve and may develop resistance to phages. Phages, in turn, have the ability to evolve to counteract that adaptation. Replicating this process in the laboratory enables us to anticipate and more effectively address bacterial resistance”, explains Daniel San Martin, scientist and member of the Discovery team.
The method consists of combining phages with both susceptible and resistant bacteria so they propagate through successive “passages.” Each passage offers an opportunity for small genetic variations that, over time, can yield more effective phages. After several passages, the team isolates and compares the new phages with the original strain, selecting only those that demonstrate superior characteristics.
This type of innovation underpins our track record and expertise in the use of bacteriophages and is essential in a production environment that is constantly evolving. That is why we maintain close collaboration with producers and our field team to anticipate changes intelligently.
