Lytic Activity of Recombinant Bacteriophage φ11 and φ12 Endolysins on Whole Cells and Biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus

The recombinant phi11 endolysin hydrolyzed heat-killed staphylococci as well as staphylococcal biofilms. Cell wall targeting appeared to be a prerequisite for lysis of whole cells, and the combined action of the endopeptidase and amidase domains was necessary for maximum activity. In contrast, the phi12 endolysin was inactive and caused aggregation of the cells.