Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 170-178 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 175 (Gupta et al., 2016), the long-term effects and safety in humans remain to be fully assessed. Regulatory bodies will require extensive data on the safety, efficacy, and potential side effects of using live bacteria in clinical settings. Additionally, the potential for horizontal gene transfer and the impact on the native microbiome are critical factors that need thorough investigation (Bukowska-Faniband et al., 2020). Ensuring that predatory bacteria do not disrupt the host's normal microbial flora or cause unintended consequences is paramount for their acceptance and use in clinical applications. 6 Future Directions and Innovations 6.1 Genetic engineering to enhance predatory capabilities The genetic engineering of predatory bacteria, such as Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, holds significant promise for enhancing their predatory capabilities. Recent studies have identified and characterized numerous genes essential for the predation process, which opens the door to genetic modifications aimed at improving the efficiency and specificity of these microbial warriors. For instance, high-throughput genetic screens have revealed over 100 genes specifically required for predative growth on human pathogens like Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli in both planktonic and biofilm states (Duncan et al., 2019). By targeting these genes, researchers can potentially engineer B. bacteriovorus strains with enhanced killing rates and the ability to target specific bacterial species or states more effectively. Additionally, the sequential release of nucleases during the predatory cycle, as characterized in other studies, provides further molecular targets for genetic enhancement (Livingstone et al., 2018; Song et al., 2024). These advancements could lead to the development of more potent and precise predatory bacteria, offering a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics in the fight against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. 6.2 Application in agriculture and veterinary medicine The application of predatory bacteria in agriculture and veterinary medicine represents a promising avenue for reducing the reliance on chemical antibiotics and mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance. Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus has demonstrated the ability to kill a broad range of Gram-negative bacteria, including many that are pathogenic to plants and animals (Negus et al., 2017). By integrating these predatory bacteria into agricultural practices, it may be possible to control bacterial infections in crops and livestock more sustainably. This approach not only helps in managing diseases but also reduces the overall pool of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment, as predatory bacteria can degrade exogenous DNA through the secretion of nucleases (Bukowska-Faniband et al., 2020). Future research should focus on optimizing the delivery and efficacy of predatory bacteria in various agricultural and veterinary settings, ensuring that they can be effectively deployed to protect plant and animal health. 6.3 Integration with bioengineering and nanotechnology The integration of predatory bacteria with bioengineering and nanotechnology offers innovative solutions to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Nanotechnology, in particular, has shown great potential in enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. The development of nanomaterial-based therapeutics can overcome current pathways linked to acquired drug resistance and target biofilms, which are notoriously difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics (Hetta et al., 2023). By combining the predatory capabilities of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus with nanotechnology, it may be possible to create synergistic treatments that are more effective against MDR infections. For example, nanoparticles can be engineered to deliver predatory bacteria directly to infection sites, enhancing their ability to target and kill pathogenic bacteria (Johnke et al., 2017). This multidisciplinary approach could lead to the development of next-generation antimicrobial therapies that leverage the strengths of both biological and nanotechnological innovations. 7 Concluding Remarks The exploration of predatory bacteria, particularly Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, as potential therapeutic agents against antibiotic-resistant pathogens has yielded promising results. These bacteria have demonstrated the ability to effectively prey on a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria, including multi-drug-resistant strains such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Yersinia pestis. Studies have shown that B. bacteriovorus can persist within
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