For almost 100 years, bacteriophages have been used as alternatives to small-molecule antibiotics. They have been tested in a wide range of applications, including human therapy, agriculture, horticulture and food safety. However, free bacteriophages are unable to survive at high concentrations for prolonged periods of time and are particularly sensitive to desiccation. This restricts application in some areas and also means that multiple doses may be needed to ensure sustained bacterial killing.
Fixed Phage has developed a patented technology, based on corona discharge (a high voltage plasma treatment), that allows the irreversible covalent immobilisation of bacteriophages to a number of distinct surfaces. This process retains the phage where they are most effective and enhances stability, allowing the bacteriophage particles to resist environmental stressors such as desiccation and temperature extremes. The corona process is commonly used in industrial settings, is easily scaled up and is chemical free. It is also possible to bind the bacteriophages to the surface as a cocktail to extend the host range as well as the number of targets of the product.
The unique bacteriophage immobilisation technology has been tested for a number of applications including food packaging, wound care, animal health, cleaning materials and cosmetics. All studies have consistently shown extended and consistent antimicrobial activity when compared with free or adsorbed bacteriophage solutions.