Abstract

The alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a consequence of the widespread misuse of antibiotics, has escalated into a critical global concern. Superbugs, including Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Listeria, now defy multiple antibiotics, presenting formidable challenges for healthcare systems. These multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens complicate treatment, inflate healthcare costs, and pose a grave threat to human health, food production, and overall safety. The potential withdrawal of antibiotics without viable alternatives could have severe implications. Therefore, novel approaches are urgently needed. Phage therapy, which utilizes lytic bacteriophages, has gained attention. These viruses selectively target and eliminate harmful bacteria while sparing beneficial ones.

The FDA recognizes the potential of phages, approving their use in veterinary medicine and as safe food additives for ready-to-eat products. This not only enhances food safety but also prevents foodborne diseases. Researchers at the Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy (CMP) at Zewail City are at the forefront of exploring the vast potential of these viruses. Their research spans various applications:
• Phage therapy: Directly targeting and eliminating harmful bacteria.
• Phage biocontrol: Controlling bacterial contamination in food and wastewater treatment.
• Investigating phage-derived proteins, such as endolysins, for treating bacterial infections.
• Utilizing phages in drug delivery systems.
• This research offers a promising future in the fight against bacterial infections.

Bio

Dr. Ayman El-Shibiny is currently working as a professor of biomedical sciences, Director of the Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy (CMP), Director of the Center of Scientific Excellence for Food Research and Analysis- ISO 17025 accredited- (cSEFRA), and Founding Director of Food Safety and Quality Professional Diploma. El-Shibiny got his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Microbiology from The University of Nottingham, UK, in 2006. Before joining Zewail City, El-Shibiny worked as a postdoctoral fellow at several universities, including the University of Nottingham (UK), Cardiff University (UK), and The Evergreen State College (USA). As a microbiologist, El-Shibiny’s research interests cover a broad range of topics related to Food Safety and Human Health. 
Prof. El-Shibiny, a prominent figure in the field, employs innovative strategies to harness the potential of bacteriophages. His extensive research delves into their ability to combat several types of human infections, ranging from wounds and gut-related issues to foodborne illnesses. Beyond therapy, El-Shibiny’s multifaceted approach involves using phages to manage bacterial contamination in food, thereby enhancing overall food safety.
At the Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy (CMP), Dr. El-Shibiny and his team leverage their wealth of expertise and cutting-edge techniques. Their primary focus is on developing essential tools for successful phage therapy. This includes expertise in phage isolation, amplification, and typing techniques—critical for identifying the most effective phages for specific targets. Additionally, they harness advanced molecular methods to create potent phage-based products capable of controlling bacterial contamination. Furthermore, the lab pioneers the development of state-of-the-art delivery systems, ensuring that these natural and cost-effective solutions can be efficiently deployed to fight against bacterial infections. Dr. El-Shibiny’s work holds great promise for revolutionizing our approach to public health and combating antibiotic-resistant superbugs. 
For more information, please check the following links:
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=8238064400
https://scholar.google.com.eg/citations?user=JmQS3eQAAAAJ&hl=en
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7667-9457
https://www.zewailcity.edu.eg/main/content.php?lang=en&alias=center_for_microbiology_and_phage_therapy