Phage Discovery: Isolating bacteriophages capable of infecting either Arthrobacter globiformis, Gordonia rubripertincta or Microbacterium foliorum from soil samples collected at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Session Number
Project ID: BIO 12
Advisor(s)
Dr. Crystal Randall, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Discipline
Biology
Start Date
20-4-2022 8:50 AM
End Date
20-4-2022 9:05 AM
Abstract
Over the last few decades, research has been conducted on bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, and the potential of phage therapy to serve as an alternative to antibiotics. Phage therapy has high specificity, lower chance of resistance, and minimal disturbance to “good” bacteria, making it a worthy alternative. However, more research is needed to identify candidates for phage therapy. This research project specifically seeks to isolate and characterize novel phages from soil samples. Here we describe our efforts to refine the process involved in collecting and isolating a phage from a soil sample. Engaging in the phage isolation protocol serves to create a better understanding of how phages are collected. Isolation is the first step in learning more about the potential phages held in the world of medicine. As new diseases arise and the effectiveness of antibiotics becomes challenged, increased knowledge regarding phages and their potential is crucial.
Phage Discovery: Isolating bacteriophages capable of infecting either Arthrobacter globiformis, Gordonia rubripertincta or Microbacterium foliorum from soil samples collected at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Over the last few decades, research has been conducted on bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, and the potential of phage therapy to serve as an alternative to antibiotics. Phage therapy has high specificity, lower chance of resistance, and minimal disturbance to “good” bacteria, making it a worthy alternative. However, more research is needed to identify candidates for phage therapy. This research project specifically seeks to isolate and characterize novel phages from soil samples. Here we describe our efforts to refine the process involved in collecting and isolating a phage from a soil sample. Engaging in the phage isolation protocol serves to create a better understanding of how phages are collected. Isolation is the first step in learning more about the potential phages held in the world of medicine. As new diseases arise and the effectiveness of antibiotics becomes challenged, increased knowledge regarding phages and their potential is crucial.