A Rapid Method for Performing a Multivariate Optimization of Phage Production Using the RCCD Approach

• Main Authors: Jessica Silva, Roberto Dias, José Ivo Junior, Maraísa Marcelino, Mirelly Silva, Adriele Carmo, Maira Sousa, Cynthia Silva, Sergio de Paula
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Pathogens
• Subjects: bacteriophage; bioprocess; optimization; RCCD; T4-like phage
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/10/9/1100

Bacteriophages can be used in various applications, from the classical approach as substitutes for antibiotics (phage therapy) to new biotechnological uses, i.e., as a protein delivery vehicle, a diagnostic tool for specific strains of bacteria (phage typing), or environmental bioremediation. The demand for bacteriophage production increases daily, and studies that improve these production processes are necessary. This study evaluated the production of a T4-like bacteriophage vB_EcoM-UFV09 (an <i>E. coli</i>-infecting phage with high potential for reducing environmental biofilms) in seven types of culture media (Luria–Bertani broth and the M9 minimal medium with six different carbon sources) employing four cultivation variables (temperature, incubation time, agitation, and multiplicity of infection). For this purpose, the rotatable central composite design (RCCD) methodology was used, combining and comparing all parameters to determine the ideal conditions for starting to scale up the production process. We used the RCCD to set up the experimental design by combining the cultivation parameters in a specific and systematic way. Despite the high number of conditions evaluated, the results showed that when specific conditions were utilized, viral production was effective even when using a minimal medium, such as M9/glucose, which is less expensive and can significantly reduce costs during large-scale phage production.