title: Bacteriophage polysaccharide depolymerases and biomedical applications.
abstract: Polysaccharide depolymerase, a polysaccharide hydrolase encoded by bacteriophages (or 'phages'), can specifically degrade the macromolecule carbohydrates of the host bacterial envelope. This enzyme assists the bacteriophage in adsorbing, invading, and disintegrating the host bacteria. Polysaccharide depolymerase activity continues even within biofilms. This effectiveness means phages are promising candidates for novel antibiotic scaffolds. A comprehensive compendium of bacteriophage polysaccharide depolymerases has been compiled, together with their potential biomedical applications, such as novel antibiotics, adjuvants for antibiotics, bacterial biofilm disruptants, and diagnostic kits.
authors.forename: Jianlong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Jinxiao
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mao
authors.forename: Jiaoxiao
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mao
authors.forename: Jianping
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xie
mesh_terms: D001435:Bacteriophages / Q000378:metabolism*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases; C022562:capsular-polysaccharide galactohydrolase