Lytic activity of recombinant bacteriophage phi 11 and phi 12 endolysins on whole cells and biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus

The recombinant phi 11 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 phi 12 endolysin was inactive and caused aggregation of the cells.