Category Name: Microbiology (1700) · Microbiology 1700 LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2019 The Antimicrobial Effects of Ayurvedic Herbs on E. coli and S. lactis Mayur Gowda, Jaideep

Microbiology (1700)Project No. Student(s) Project Title1701T12 Nikhila Akula, Madeleine

EdwardsA Novel Pill Delivery Method for the Degradation of Extracellular Bacterial Biofilms Using DNase I and Proteinase K Solutions

1702X12 Ling Allard The Effects of Triclosan on Microorganism Growt

1703X11 Yiyang Chen Magnetizing: Augmentation of Antibiotic Bactericidal Efficacy on Staphylococcus Epidermidis by Solenoid Electromagnetic Fields

1704X12 Subhashree Ghimire The Effect of Eupatorium perfoliatum Extracts on Escherichia coli K-12 Suppression

1705T12 Mayur Gowda, Camden Hutchison

The Combined Efficacy of Moringa oleifera and Terminalia chebula on Escherichia coli and Intestinal Bacteria of Caenorhabditis elegans

1706X12 Alycia Kutz Creation of Persister Cells and Antibiotic Resistance via the Exposure to Hydrogen Peroxide

1707X12 Joslyn Liu The Effect of Manuka Honey on the Suppression of Staphylococcus epidermidis

1708X12 Declan Martin The Effects on Diatoms in Different Ecosystems

1709X12 Kaylin McConnell Rafting and the Importance to Coral Reefs

1710T11 Rehana Abideen, Aaidah Nizamudeen

The Effect of Axinella bookhouti on the Suppression of Escherichia coli K-12 and Bacillus cereus

1711X12 Payton O'Brien Investigating the Dispersal of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria From Manure Application to Soil in Farmland Ecosystems ABSTRACT

1712T11 Courtney Partner, Samyukhtha Venkateswaran

The Effect of Vitamin B1 on Growth Stimulation of Nannochloropsis oculata

1713T12 Michael Pedemonte, Timothy Santiago

The Antimicrobial Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei Shirota on Escherichia coli K-12 and Bacillus cereus

1714X12 Kailash Suresh The Effectiveness of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) on the Suppression of Endothelial-Deteriorating Serratia marcescens

Category Student Count: 19

1701T12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020A Novel Pill Delivery Method for the Degradation of Extracellular Bacterial Biofilms Using DNase I and Proteinase K Solutions Nikhila Akula, Madeleine EdwardsBiofilms are aggregates of microorganisms adhered to cells that negatively impact the production of beneficial bacteria and exacerbate fatal illnesses by inhibiting antibiotic use. Extracellular DNA, eDNA, comprises 95% of biofilms and promotes bacterial adhesion and structural strength. DNase I is a DNA cleaver used to break down the eDNA in biofilms. Proteinase K is a serine protease that cleaves peptide bonds. The purpose is to observe biofilm growth in the presence of macronutrients, such as fats, lipids, proteins, starches, salt, and sugar, that constitute dietary intake and use DNase I and Proteinase K to degrade biofilms through a pill, though this delivery method was previously difficult to administer into the bloodstream. Bacterial biofilms from E. coli, S. epidermidis, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa were used to observe the effect of DNase I and Proteinase K on skin and intestinal biofilms. After the addition of macronutrients to biofilms, bacteria revealed biofilm growth that was treated with DNase I and Proteinase K which were successful treatments that decreased biofilms up to 90% in digestive conditions of every bacteria. A delivery method for these treatments was found through an enteric and lectin coated pill. This coating was derived from carbohydrate-binding proteins that prevent protein catabolism in the digestive system. This delivery method sustained treatments for streamlined release into the bloodstream through the duodenum. Using the data found, a software program was developed to suggest dietary restrictions and treatments based on bacteria type to maintain a safe level of biofilm formation.

Confer, D. R., & Logan, B. E. (1998, July 24). A conceptual model describing macromolecule degradation by suspended cultures and biofilms. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273122398001127

Jitendra, Sharma, P. K., Bansal, S., & Banik, A. (2011, July). Noninvasive routes of proteins and peptides drug delivery. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3374550/

Muheem, A., Shakeel, F., Jahangir, M. A., Anwar, M., Mallick, N., Jain, G. K., … Ahmad, F. J. (2014, June 16). A review on the strategies for oral delivery of proteins and peptides and their clinical perspectives. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016414000590

I/We hereby certify that the above statements are correct and the information provided in the Abstract is the result of one year's research. I/We also attest that the above properly reflects my/our own work (digitally signed).

1702X12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020The Effects of Triclosan on Microorganism Growt Ling Allard

The purpose of this experiment was to test for any adverse effects on microorganism growth with the introduction of the chemical Triclosan into the environment. This experiment tested whether groups of Euglena gracilis or Chlorella autotrophica in a solution of 1.2 μg/L or 0.6 μg/L of Triclosan would inhibit the growth compared to these microorganisms in a solution of distilled water. A hemacytometer was used to estimate the number of cells present in a sample of these groups over time. In the Chlorella experiment, the control group decreased by 35.06%, the 0.6 μg/L of Triclosan group decreased by 17.28%, and the 1.2 μg/L of Triclosan decreased by 2.86%. In the Euglena trial, the control group was reduced by 42.86%, the 0.6 μg/L of Triclosan group was reduced by 36.84%, and the 1.2 μg/L of Triclosan group was reduced by 35.29%. The results did not support the hypothesis that Triclosan causes inhibited growth in microorganisms because the control group decreased as well. ANOVA tests performed on both sets of data found no statistical significance. Further research can investigate other possible effects of Triclosan that were not measured in this experiment, such as the long-term survivability or the rate of photosynthesis in algae.

Tatarazako, N., Ishibashi, H., Teshima, K., Kishi, K., & Arizono, K. (2004). Effects of triclosan on various aquatic organisms. Environmental sciences : an international journal of environmental physiology and toxicology, 11(2), 133-40.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2008, September 18). Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Triclosan . Retrieved from Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Triclosan

Bedoux, G., Thomas, O., Roig, B., Dupont, V., & Le Bot, B. (2011). Occurrence and toxicity of antimicrobial triclosan and by-products in the environment. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-011-0632-z

Shmerling, R. H. (2019, August 16). Are antibacterial products with triclosan fueling bacterial resistance? Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-antibacterial-products-with-triclosanfueling-bacterial-resistance-2019080617473


1703X11Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020Magnetizing: Augmentation of Antibiotic Bactericidal Efficacy on Staphylococcus Epidermidis by Solenoid Electromagnetic Fields Yiyang Chen

Incidence of sepsis due to indwelling medical devices have increased -- problematically, biofilm-forming bacteria are heavily resistant to antibiotics and the immune system and their infections are notoriously difficult to treat due to intermolecular adhesins [1]. Past research demonstrates electromagnetic fields’ enhancing effect on antibiotics against biofilms possibly due to increased membrane permeability [2]. To expand upon previous research, this study tested the effect of a nonhomogeneous, non-oscillating magnetic field on antibiotic efficacy. The purpose is to significantly reduce biofilm colony count under in vitro conditions, applicable in post-infection treatments of biofilms and possible prophylactic mechanism to engineer into indwelling medical devices. In the first experiment, two groups of six pre-cultivated strains of staphylococcus epidermidis are streaked on petri dishes with luria broth agar grown at 22C: one grown under control conditions, the other grown 50 mm underneath an industrial lifting solenoid. In one-way ANOVA tests, the augmentation effect on both neomycin (p = 0.0354) and vancomycin (p=0.0475) was proven to be statistically significant. Secondly, staphylococcus epidermidis will be inoculated in microtiter plates along with three subinhibitory concentrations of amikacin and ampicillin: biofilm colony count will be measured via crystal-violet staining and spectrophotometry. Further, a Bradford assay will be performed on the supernatant solution of in select wells to quantify the amount of antibiotic left in the solution, elucidating whether the presence of EMFs increased antibiotic uptake to matrix. Data is pending. Further research could model different types of EMFs in in vivo conditions.

[1] AE, Khoury, et al. “Prevention and Control of Bacterial Infections Associated with Medical Devices.” Europe PMC, Asaio Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992, 30 June 1992, europepmc.org/abstract/med/1457842.

[2] Pickering, S.A.W, et al. “Electromagnetic Augmentation of Antibiotic Efficacy in Infection of Orthopaedic Implants.” Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, England, 2003, https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8d3c/5a51f42fad1594b48a6e9b25e21827b77837.pdf.

[3] Khatoon, Zohra, et al. “Bacterial Biofilm Formation on Implantable Devices and Approaches to Its Treatment and Prevention.” Heliyon, Elsevier, 28 Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312881/.


1704X12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020The Effect of Eupatorium perfoliatum Extracts on Escherichia coli K-12 Suppression Subhashree GhimireShigella is a highly virulent pathogen that affects developing countries due to poor sanitation practices and a lack of health services available. Shigellosis infects 164.7 million people every year and can cause severe dysentery. Shigella causes 1.1 million deaths yearly-- 61% of which involve children under the age of five. Many of the infected rely on ethnomedicinal alternatives as antibiotics are not always accessible. Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset) is a plant species native to North America and in the same genus as plants used by ethnic tribes. Escherichia coli K-12 is closely related to Shigella sonnei on the phylogenetic tree due to their similar biochemical characteristics. S. sonnei is the most prevalent species of Shigella found in North America. In this experiment, 5 grams of boneset seeds, roots and stem samples were combined with 20mL of 70% ethanol and inoculated on cultures of E. coli K-12, which was used as a model for Shigella sonnei. Native growing samples were collected growing within 200ft of the lab and frozen for future use. Neosporin was the positive control and water was the negative control. Bacterial growth was tested using the disk diffusion method, the independent variables being the different extracts. Trial 1—using a low concentration of E. perfoliatum—was conducted, and no suppression of E. coli K-12 was shown. The positive control exhibited a zone of inhibition. Further data collection is ongoing using seed sample extracts with a greater concentration.

Laloo, D., & Hemalatha, S. (2011). Ethnomedicinal plants used for diarrhea by tribals of Meghalaya, Northeast India. Pharmacognosy reviews, 5(10), 147–154.doi:10.4103/0973-7847.91108

Kotloff, K. L., Winickoff, J. P., Ivanoff, B., Clemens, J. D., Swerdlow, D. L., Sansonetti, P. J., Levine, M. M. (1999). Global burden of Shigella infections: implications for vaccine development and implementation of control strategies. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 77(8), 651–666.

Puzari, M., Sharma, M., & Chetia, P. (2018). Emergence of antibiotic resistant Shigella species: A matter of concern. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 11(4), 451–454. doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.09.025


1705T12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020The Combined Efficacy of Moringa oleifera and Terminalia chebula on Escherichia coli and Intestinal Bacteria of Caenorhabditis elegans Mayur Gowda, Camden Hutchison

The purpose of this study is to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of Moringa oleifera and Terminalia chebula extracts, alone and in combination. As well as the antimicrobial efficacy, the potential for harm due to these extracts will be investigated. In order to determine the efficacy of the Moringa oleifera and Terminalia chebula extracts twenty five, one hundred millimeter, petri dishes will be cultured with Escherichia coli K-12 for zone of inhibition tests or Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion tests. On these plates small disks infused with the antibiotic controls (ampicillin and tetracycline), the Moringa oleifera extract, the Terminalia chebula extract, and a combined Moringa oleifera/ Terminalia chebula extract. To determine how safe these extracts are for human consumption, Caenorhabditis elegans will be exposed to the separate extracts and the combined extracts, and Lactobacillus bacterial cultures will be taken from the Caenorhabditis elegans, and then counted. Data is forthcoming on these tests.

Due to the use of antibiotics for the last ninety years, bacteria has begun to become resistant to numerous antibiotics, and new ways to treat the diseases caused by these bacteria need to be developed quickly. It is hoped that this study will help to shine light on potential alternative treatments.

Bag, A., Bhattacharyya, S. K., Pal, B. N. K., & Chattopadhyay, R. R. (2009).

Evaluation of antibacterial properties of Chebulic myrobalan (fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz.) extracts against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli. African Journal of Plant Science, 3(2), 025-029.

Larson, E., Pond, C., Rai, P., Matainaho, T., Piskaut, P., Barrows, L., & Franklin, M. (2015). Traditional preparations and methanolic extracts of plants from Papua New Guinea exhibit similar cytochrome P450 inhibition. Planta Medica, 81(11). doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1556440

qbal, J., Irshad, J., Bashir, S., Khan, S., Yousaf, M., & Shah, A. (2019). Comparative study of water extracts of Moringa leaves and roots to improve the growth and yield of sunflower. South African Journal of Botany. doi: 10.1016/j.sajb.2019.06.032


1706X12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020Creation of Persister Cells and Antibiotic Resistance via the Exposure to Hydrogen Peroxide Alycia KutzAntibiotic resistance and the creation of “persister” cells is a growing global concern as bacteria evolve. Antibiotic resistance and bacterial persistence makes it extremely difficult to treat infections. Persister cells are dormant, phenotypic variants of bacteria cells. Because they are phenotypic variants, persisters are not genetically inheritable and do not experience a genetic change.

The purpose of this research was to determine whether hydrogen peroxide impacted the creation of persister cells and antibiotic resistance in E. coli K12 over time. The growth of resistant cells of E. coli K12 was measured by replating colonies of bacteria growing closest to an antibiotic disc multiple times and measuring zones of inhibition. Persister cells were starved and re-plated to determine whether they came out of dormancy or experienced antibiotic resistance. Statistical analysis indicated that hydrogen peroxide had a significant effect on the creation of resistantE. coli K12 cells. When persister cells were re-plated,they displayed a significant degree of growth, revealing that these cells no longer existed in dormancy.

It may be that resistant cells reproduce via binary fission and resistance is caused by horizontal acquisition of resistant genes, recombination of foreign DNA into the chromosome, or mutations in different chromosomal loci. Persister cells are created by stress, which creates an SOS response that induces toxin/antitoxin systems, leading to overexpression of the TisB toxin and inducing a dormant state. Continuation of antibiotic resistance could leave lasting impacts globally when treating typical bacterial infections, especially since persister cells can awaken and reinfect hosts.

Kim, J., Wood, T. K. 2017 . Tolerant, Growing Cells from Nutrient Shifts Are Not Persister Cells. Available online at: https://mbio.asm.org/content/8/2/e00354-17#ref-1

Munita, J. M., and Cesar, A. A. 2016 . Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4888801/

Wood, T. K., Knabel, S. J., and Kwan, B. W. 2013 . Bacterial Persister Cell Formation and Dormancy. Available online at: https://aem.asm.org/content/79/23/7116


1707X12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020The Effect of Manuka Honey on the Suppression of Staphylococcus epidermidis Joslyn LiuAcne is a worldwide problem affecting 90% of the population, possibly causing low self-esteem, depression, and even symptoms leading to suicidal thoughts. The bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) is thought to contribute to the inflammation of acne. Treatment of acne includes oral and topical steroids. However, this may come with unwanted side effects. An alternative remedy is needed. Manuka honey is known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The purpose of this experiment was to test the efficacy of Manuka honey on the suppression of S. epidermidis. This experiment tested two strengths of Manuka honey (829MGO, 263MGO). Thirty nutrient agar plates were inoculated with S. epidermidis using disc diffusion and resulted in 0 zone of inhibition for both Manuka 829MGO and 263MGO. The control of this experiment was Neosporin and the median zone of inhibition for Neosporin was 2.5mm. Procedural error may account for no zone of inhibition. Alternately, antibacterial properties may vary in Manuka honey. These properties may be intrinsically linked to not only the variety of the Manuka tree, Leptospermum scoparium that bees forage on, but its growing region or conditions as well. Literature supports Manuka honey’s ability to suppress E-coli k12. The samples were tested using, well diffusion method at different concentrations of manuka honey to determine their efficacy in suppressing E-coli k12. Preliminary data indicates significant zones of inhibition. Experimentation is ongoing to obtain additional data to either support or refute the claim.

Carter, D. A., Blair, S. E., Cokcetin, N. N., Bouzo, D., Brooks, P., Schothauer, R., & Harry, E. J. (2016, April 20). Therapeutic Manuka Honey: No Longer So Alternative.

Halvorsen, J. A., Stern, R. S., Dalgard, F., Thoresen, M., Bjertness, E., & Lien, L. (2015, December 8). Suicidal Ideation, Mental Health Problems, and Social Impairment Are Increased in Adolescents with Acne: A Population-Based Study.

Nakase, K., Nakaminami, H., Takenaka, Y., Hayashi, N., Kawashima, M., & Noguchi, N. (2014, May 1). Relationship between the severity of acne vulgaris and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from acne lesions in a hospital in Japan.


1708X12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020The Effects on Diatoms in Different Ecosystems Declan MartinDiatoms are an essential part of Earth’s ecosystem as they produce, as a group, enormous amounts of oxygen. They can be easily be harmed by man-made disasters. The purpose of this experiment was to illustrate the effect of oil on single celled algae, Diatoms, in different environments. In this experiment different amounts of oil were put in petri dishes that represented three different environments containing Diatoms, which were spring water, freshwater, and salt water. The independent variable was the amount of oil introduced into each environment, while the dependent variable was percent concentration of dead Diatoms. The control group, being the Diatoms in the spring water environment with no altering, had the highest survival rate of all 5mL groups, when 2mL of oil were introduced into the system, with a 40% survival rate. The survival rate of the other groups was much lower, with less than 10% survival rate in both freshwater and saltwater, when 2mL of oil was introduced. The hypothesis, the greater the amount of oil in an ecosystem, the more Diatoms will die, was supported by the data, however statistical tests showed that there was no significant difference between the different types of environments and their effect on the Diatom’s survival rate. Therefore, more experimentation is needed. This study relates to the effect of oil pollution on other single celled organisms in the environment and further research could explore the effect of rising temperatures on Diatoms in the environment.

Powell, J (2018). Four Biggest Differences Between the Ocean & Fresh Water. Retrieved from https://sciencing.com/four-between-ocean-fresh-water-8519973 .html

Cavin, L (2017). Freshwater Environments and Fishes. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-scien ces/freshwater-environment

Vignier, J (2019). Evaluating Water Quality to Prevent Future Disasters. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/petroleum


1709X12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020Rafting and the Importance to Coral Reefs Kaylin McConnell

This experiment tests the rafting ability of Stentor and Chlorella at various temperatures. This experiment was done to test a possible method of revitalizing coral reefs and potentially save them. In this experiment, the temperature of groups of 2-liter soda bottles was to observe how many organisms would raft per pumice rock placed in the bottles. The bottles were set to 8°C, 22°C, and 45°C as well as an added 25°C group for the Chlorella trials. The organisms were observed under a dissecting scope to be counted (Stentor) or to observe the percent coverage (Chlorella). The data showed that both the Stentor and the Chlorella preferred the room temperature environment as the Stentor had an average of 6 organisms raft to the pumice while the Chlorella had an average percent coverage of 7%. In the Stentor trials, the lowest average of rafting occurrence was in the 8°C group while the 45°C group in the Chlorella trials had the least amount of percent coverage. The hypothesis for this experiment was that organisms will be more likely to raft in a room temperature environment compared to an extreme one because the extreme environment would stress the organisms. While the data generally supports this, the statistical analysis shows that the results are insignificant; the hypothesis was not supported. Further research could test if dispersing new organisms help marine environments.

Bryan, S. E., Cook, A. G., Evans, J. P., Hebden, K., Hurrey, L., Colls, P., … Firn,J. (2019, July 8). Rapid, Long Distance Dispersal by Pumice Rafting. Retrieved October 1, 2019, from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article? id=10.1371/journal.pone.0040583

Kerry, J. (2014, January 11). Relationship between corals and fishes on the Great Barrier Reef. Retrieved October 1, 2019, from https://eatlas.org.au/content/relationship between corals and fishes great barrier reef.

Thiel, M., & Gutow, L. (2005). THE ECOLOGY OF RAFTING IN THEMARINE ENVIRONMENT. Retrieved October 1, 2019, from https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/11755576.pdf.


1710T11Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020The Effect of Axinella bookhouti on the Suppression of Escherichia coli K-12 and Bacillus cereus Rehana Abideen, Aaidah NizamudeenDue to the rise in multi-drug resistant bacteria, marine sponges are currently being examined as an alternative due to their antimicrobial properties. Studies indicate that the Great Australian Bight marine sponge and the other members of the family Axinella, are efficient in suppression of bacteria due to the high amount of antibacterial compounds. E.coli K12 is a gram negative bacteria whereas Bacillus cereus is a gram positive bacteria however, both impact human health. According to the CDC, 265,000 infections each year are caused by E.coli. In addition, the CDC mentions that there are 63,000 cases of B. cereus infections. Totest the suppression of E.coli K12 and B. cereus, two extracts of Axinella bookhouti wereprepared. The first extract was made with a 33% solution of ethanol added to 0.5 grams ofpowdered marine sponge. The second extract was produced using a mortar and pestle toremove the liquid portion of the sponge. The Petri dishes were inoculated using the halfquarter method and the zone inhibition was measured using the disk diffusion method; twodisks were each soaked in 3 mL of each extract and there were two controls: Neosporin and a blank disk. Each trial contained 15 Petri dishes and there were two trials per bacteria. The p-value for E.coli was shown to be significant, with the greatest q-value as 8.450, indicating that Axinella bookhouti has an effect on the suppression of bacteria. Research for the B. cereus isongoing.

Deep-sea marine sponges may hold key to antibiotic drug resistance (2018, June 19). Florida Atlantic University. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040403912008192.

Komal Anjum, Syed Qamar Abbas, Sayed Asmat Ali Shah, Najeeb Akhter, Sundas Batool, and Syed Shams ul Hassan (2017, Feb.) Marine Sponges As a Drug Treasure. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4930278/.

Komal Anjum, Syed Qamar Abbas, Sayed Asmat Ali Shah, Najeeb Akhter, Sundas Batool, and Syed Shams ul Hassan (2016, July).. Antibacterial Activities of Bacteria Isolated from the Marine Sponges Isodictya compressa and Higginsia bidentifera Collected from Algoa Bay, South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5334627/.


1711X12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020Investigating the Dispersal of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria From Manure Application to Soil in Farmland Ecosystems ABSTRACT Payton O'Brien

Antibiotic resistance is an increasingly major problem. Slaughterhouses and industrial cattle farms often treat livestock with antibiotics to keep them healthy for consumption. After individuals ingest the meat, the resistant bacteria unnecessarily enters the body, making it more difficult for antibiotics to combat infection.

The purpose of this research was to determine whether antibiotics can be shed into an ecosystem via livestock waste matter. Bacterial samples were taken from soil near manure at three distances from three different farms and tested for possible antibiotic resistance.

Statistical analysis via t-test indicated antibiotics administered to livestock did not significantly affect soil bacteria growth at two farms. Few samples showed any resistance. A possible explanation would be that these small, family farms raise fewer cattle which are not consistently treated with antibiotics. However, at Farm 3, samples collected at distances one and five centimeters away from manure displayed greater resistance to penicillin than to tetracycline. This farm has been a cattle farm for thirty years hence soil bacteria may have had a greater deal of time to develop resistance. At all farms, there appears in some cases where antibiotics did not diffuse out the entire ten centimeters hence resistance was lower due to lack of exposure to them.

Further research would entail taking samples at slaughterhouses and industrial farms where cows are consistently treated with antibiotics. Continued research is needed on this little researched topic as non-discriminatory use of antibiotics may cause accidental disruption in surrounding soil ecosystems.

Antibiotic Resistance: A Global Threat | Features | CDC. (2018, September 19). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/features/antibiotic-resistance-global/index.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, September 10). Antibiotic / Antimicrobial Resistance. Retrieved November 12, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/index.html.

Peake, T. (2017, October 6). Bacteria can spread antibiotic resistance through soil. Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2017-10-bacteria-antibiotic-resistance-soil.html.


1712T11Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020The Effect of Vitamin B1 on Growth Stimulation of Nannochloropsis oculata Courtney Partner, Samyukhtha Venkateswaran

Algal biofuel offers a clean source of energy that protects the environment, however it is difficult to mass produce because of the quantity and quality of algae required [Hannon, M]. N. oculata with supplemental B1 is expected to survive longer and remain healthier throughout its lifetime, due to the link between B1 and the maximization of energy gained from carbohydrates [Croft, M]. Thirty cultures of N. oculata were grown with no supplementary B-Complex vitamins, while thirty additional cultures were grown with the B1 vitamin. Each culture’s absorbance was measured using a spectrophotometer and color was recorded to analyze the algae’s health.

N. oculata with the B1 vitamin was significantly more vibrant in green color and had consistently higher absorbance values, suggesting more growth, as compared to the control group, which quickly became an unhealthy yellow-brown color. On day eight of growth, the average absorbance of the control group was 0.778, whereas the B1 experimental group was 1.102, confirming the hypothesis.

As time progressed, the control died, while the B1 group became visibly turbid, therefore making it difficult to ascertain the validity of the absorbance readings. In future experiments, additional B-complex vitamins should be tested on the growth of N. oculata.

Hannon, M., Gimpel, J., Tran, M., Rasala, B., & Mayfield, S. (2010, September). Biofuels from algae: challenges and potential. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3152439/

Enamala, M., Enmala, S., Chavali, M., Donepudi, J., Yadavalli, R., Kolapalli, B., … Kuppam, C. (2018). Production of biofuels from microalgae - A review on cultivation, harvesting, lipid extraction, and numerous applications of microalgae. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 94, 49–68. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.05.012

Faried, M., Samer, M., Abdelsalam, E., Yousef, R. S., Attia, Y. A., & Ali, A. S. (2017). Biodiesel production from microalgae: Processes, technologies and recent advancements. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 79, 893–913. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.05.199


1713T12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020The Antimicrobial Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei Shirota on Escherichia coli K-12 and Bacillus cereus Michael Pedemonte, Timothy SantiagoAntibiotic resistant bacteria are an emerging threat for healthcare workers and patients. Bacteria is quickly developing resistance to broad spectrum antibiotics. An alternative is needed. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria that primarily live in the human gastrointestinal tract, may be a viable alternative. This study investigates the efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei Shirota on the suppression of Escherichia coli K-12 and Bacillus cereus. Zones of inhibition generated by the probiotics were compared to the positive control (triple antibiotic ointment) and negative control (distilled water). The dependent variable was the zone of inhibition generated by the treatments. The independent variable was the treatment itself. For all trials, half the plates were inoculated with B. cereus and the remainder with E. coli K-12 using well diffusion. Data from Trial 1 indicated that L. casei Shirota generated a greater zone of inhibition on Bacillus cereus than E. coli K-12. Data also indicated that L. casei Shirota generated a zone of inhibition greater than the positive control. Mean difference between the two was 0.7833mm for B. cereus and 0.7167mm for E. coli. Trial 2 had similar results with the mean difference between the two treatments being 1.21mm for B. cereus and 0.7mm for E. coli K-12. P-value generated for both trials was < 0.0001, indicating the data was significant. Data is pending for Trial 3, in which L. acidophilus is introduced as a treatment. Future plans include investigating other probiotics also combining probiotics as treatment options and including more pathogenic bacteria to test.

Hill, D., Sugrue, I., Tobin, C., Hill, C., Stanton, C., & Ross, R. P. (2018). The Lactobacillus casei Group: History and Health Related Applications. Frontiers in microbiology, 9, 2107. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2018.02107

Karska-Wysocki, B., Bazo, M., & Smoragiewicz, W. (2010). Antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Microbiological research, 165(8), 674-686.

Sgouras, D., Maragkoudakis, P., Petraki, K., Martinez-Gonzalez, B., Eriotou, E., Michopoulos, S., … Mentis, A. (2004). In vitro and in vivo inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota. Applied and environmental microbiology, 70(1), 518–526. doi:10.1128/aem.70.1.518-526.2004


1714X12Microbiology

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LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2020The Effectiveness of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) on the Suppression of Endothelial-Deteriorating Serratia marcescens Kailash SureshCardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death in the USA. Endothelial dysfunction is one of the primary sources and characterized by the inability to regulate blood pressure and blood clotting. Smoking is one of the causes for this dysfunction. The saprophyte Serratia marcescens is an air pathogen and found in tobacco leaf and decaying tobacco matter. Serratia marcescens enters the body through cigarette smoke inhalation, to the bloodstream from the alveoli, and causes infection in the endothelium, leading to Endothelial Dysfunction. Turmeric is a powerful antibiotic in Ayurveda Medicine and has a key chemical, curcumin. This experiment tests the efficacy of turmeric on the suppression of Serratia marcescens. The turmeric extract was separated into powder / liquid extract (25%, 50%, 75% concentrations). 15 Petri-dishes were inoculated with S. marcescens and the zone of inhibition was measured. The median zone of inhibition for turmeric extract was 1.1 mm in Trial 1. After statistical analysis, the p-value that was obtained was 0.0017, which is considered very significant. This p-value supports the claim, indicating that turmeric may be a viable option to treat endothelial dysfunction. Additional trials are being performed. Data are pending.

Félétou, Michel. “The Endothelium.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK57149/.

Hejazi, A., & Falkiner, F. R. (1997, November 1). Serratia marcescens. Retrieved from https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/00222615-46-11-903#

Pundir, R. K., & Jain, P. (2010). Comparative studies on the antimicrobial activity of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) extracts. International Journal of Applied Biology and Pharmaceutical Technology, 1(2), 492-500.


Documents

Category Name: Microbiology (1700) · Microbiology 1700 LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2019 The Antimicrobial Effects of Ayurvedic Herbs on E. coli and S. lactis Mayur Gowda, Jaideep