Research into Antimicrobial Soil
Advisor(s)
Dr. John Thurmond, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dr. Angela Ahrendt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Location
Room B116
Start Date
26-4-2019 11:05 AM
End Date
26-4-2019 11:20 AM
Abstract
As the rate of antimicrobial resistance rises, the need to find new antibiotics has never been more important. One possible way to create new antibiotic compounds is to search for antimicrobial bacteria in dirt. In our studies, we took three soil samples from a concentrated area to test the antimicrobials within, against different pathogenic strains. Colonies from the soil samples were then run through a spread patch test to check for antimicrobials. All colonies that tested positively for antimicrobial were then run through PCR to identify the size of the microbe. Our study has concluded and agrees with past studies that there are in fact organisms with antimicrobial properties that can be found in soil. This is just the beginning of the antimicrobial study, as there is still much more analyzing to be done on the soil throughout the rest of IMSA campus. In order to further analyzing the colonies we have already isolated to discover ways they can be used as antimicrobials, this research project must continue over the coming years with new students to lead it.
Research into Antimicrobial Soil
Room B116
As the rate of antimicrobial resistance rises, the need to find new antibiotics has never been more important. One possible way to create new antibiotic compounds is to search for antimicrobial bacteria in dirt. In our studies, we took three soil samples from a concentrated area to test the antimicrobials within, against different pathogenic strains. Colonies from the soil samples were then run through a spread patch test to check for antimicrobials. All colonies that tested positively for antimicrobial were then run through PCR to identify the size of the microbe. Our study has concluded and agrees with past studies that there are in fact organisms with antimicrobial properties that can be found in soil. This is just the beginning of the antimicrobial study, as there is still much more analyzing to be done on the soil throughout the rest of IMSA campus. In order to further analyzing the colonies we have already isolated to discover ways they can be used as antimicrobials, this research project must continue over the coming years with new students to lead it.