Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha city 65779, Saudi Arabia
Contact: mthabit@bu.edu.sa, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8644-7855
Bacteriophages play a critical role in bacterial evolution by mediating horizontal gene transfer, including the dissemination of virulence determinants and antibiotic resistance genes. In Staphylococcus aureus, temperate bacteriophages contribute significantly to genomic plasticity through mechanisms such as transduction, lysogenic conversion, and mobilization of mobile genetic elements. Strategies capable of suppressing bacteriophage replication therefore represent a promising approach for limiting phage-mediated gene transfer and controlling the spread of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, the effect of the C3-symmetric triazine-based polymer (PTriAce-1) on bacteriophage replication was investigated. The impact of PTriAce-1 on phage infection dynamics was evaluated through phage propagation assays, mitomycin C–mediated prophage induction, plaque formation assays, and quantitative phage titration. Exposure to PTriAce-1 resulted in a huge reduction in the replication of prophage Φ11 compared with untreated controls. Plaque assays further demonstrate alterations in plaque morphology and reduced plaque size under polymer-treated conditions, indicating impaired phage infection dynamics. These findings suggest that PTriAce-1 interferes with key stages of the prophage life cycle and suppresses productive phage propagation. Because prophages are major drivers of horizontal gene transfer in bacterial populations, polymer-mediated inhibition of phage replication may reduce the dissemination of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance determinants. Together, these results highlight the potential of functional polymer materials as modulators of bacteriophage activity and suggest that targeting bacteriophage-mediated genetic exchange may represent a complementary strategy for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Keywords: Temperate bacteriophage, Anti-prophage, Horizontal gene transfer, antimicrobial resistance transmission, Anti-diseases transmission, Polymer-mediated inhibition
How to cite this article: Thabet MA. Targeting Phage-Mediated Gene Transfer: A Novel C3-Symmetric Polymer (PTriAce-1) Inhibits Temperate Phage Replication in Staphylococcus aureus. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(8s): 784-793; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.8s.88.
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None