Phages are found in a variety of environments where bacteria are present. In fact, they are the most abundant entity on the planet. They can be found in places such as:

1. Soil: Phages are abundant in soil, where they help regulate bacterial populations.
2. Water: They are commonly found in rivers, lakes, oceans, and wastewater, targeting bacteria in aquatic environments.
3. Animal and human bodies: Phages exist naturally in the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and mucous membranes, often helping maintain a balance between bacteria.
4. Food: Phages can be found in raw foods, particularly dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
5. Extreme environments: They are also present in extreme environments like hot springs, polar ice caps, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents, where they may infect bacteria adapted to those conditions.

Essentially, phages are ubiquitous wherever bacteria thrive.

What are phages used for?

Biocontrol in Agriculture

Phages are used to target and kill bacteria that cause diseases in our primary industries, helping to reduce losses and minimize the use of chemical pesticides.

Food preservation

Phages are used to prevent bacterial contamination in various food products, ensuring that harmful bacteria are kept at bay during processing and storage.

Environmental Applications

Phages can be used in bioremediation efforts to control bacterial populations that contribute to environmental pollution, such as in wastewater treatment.

Biotechnology and research

Bacteriophages are used as vectors in molecular biology for cloning, gene editing, and genetic engineering. The well-known CRISPR-Cas system, a powerful gene-editing tool, was originally discovered as a bacterial immune response to phage infections.

Phage therapy

Phages are used to treat bacterial infections, especially those that are resistant to antibiotics. Phage therapy can target specific bacteria without harming the body’s beneficial microbiota. Similarly to human medicine, phage therapy is also being explored in veterinary medicine, to treat bacterial infections in animals.

How do phages replicate?

A phage injects it’s DNA into a bacterium and uses the cell’s proteins and energy to make many copies of the phage. When a bacterial cell is infected, typically up to 100 phages can be produced per infected bacteria in less than an hour. Once they are prepared, the phages burst open the bacterial cell, destroying it. Each new phage is then ready to start infecting more of that same bacterium again. 

How does the programme benefit New Zealand?

Bacterial pathogens cause at least ~10% losses to our food and animal production across Aotearoa-New Zealand. New Zealand needs sustainable, natural, and effective solutions to grow agricultural productivity and to ensure global and local food security.