Cell-free production of bacteriophages (phages) is an innovative method that enables the in vitro synthesis of functional phages. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has driven the search for alternative treatments for bacterial infections, making cell-free phage production a promising solution. Unlike conventional methods that rely on live bacterial cultures, the cell-free approach allows for the synthesis of infectious phages within just a few hours. This method offers advantages in cost, complexity, time efficiency, and adaptability compared to traditional phage and antibiotic therapies, which are currently more established in treating bacterial infections. Although cell-free phage production holds great potential in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, further research is needed for its implementation in mainstream healthcare. The main limitations include the non-self-sustaining nature of the reaction and lack of knowledge for standarising the procedure of this method. However, the broad range of technological applications further supports the interest in developing and optimizing this method, as its impact can extend into food safety, veterinary medicine, and environmental protection. With continued investment in the development of cell-free phage synthesis, we can expect standardized procedures and broader adoption of this technique in various scientific applications in the future.
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