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Correspondence to Author: Ohood Sallam ^1*, Amany A. M. Ahmed ¹ , Mohamed T. Shaaban ¹. 

Botany and Microbiology department, Faculty of Science- Menoufia University, Egypt.

DOI: 10.52338/aast.2026.5636

Abstract:

Foodborne pathogenic bacteria remain a major concern in agricultural and food systems due to their widespread distribution, increasing antimicrobial resistance, and ability to form persistent biofilms along the food production chain. These challenges contribute significantly to contamination during pre-harvest, post-harvest, and food-processing stages, thereby increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Conventional control measures, including antibiotics and chemical sanitizers, often show limited efficacy against biofilm-associated bacteria and may raise safety and environmental concerns. In this context, bacteriophages have emerged as natural and promising biocontrol agents for improving food safety. Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect bacteria and possess unique advantages, including high host specificity and the ability to self-replicate at the site of infection. These properties make them suitable for targeted bacterial control in agricultural environments and food systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of bacteriophage applications against foodborne pathogens across the agricultural and food production chain, including their use in raw and processed foods, food-contact surfaces, and food-processing environments. Particular emphasis is placed on their antibiofilm activity and the mechanisms involved in biofilm disruption, such as bacterial cell lysis and degradation of extracellular polymeric substances. Despite their demonstrated potential, several challenges remain, including narrow host range, development of phage resistance, stability under different environmental and food matrix conditions, and regulatory limitations. Future perspectives highlight the importance of phage cocktails, optimized delivery systems, and integrated approaches combining bacteriophages with other antimicrobial strategies. Overall, bacteriophages represent a sustainable and effective tool for controlling foodborne pathogens and biofilms within agricultural and food systems, with significant potential to enhance food safety and public health

Keywords: Bacteriophages; Foodborne pathogens; Agricultural biotechnology; Biofilm; Biocontrol.

Citation:

Dr.Ohood Sallam, Bacteriophages As Biocontrol Agents In Agricultural And Food Systems Against Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria And Biofilms. Annals Of Agricultural Science And Technology 2026.