Staphylococcus aureus is the cause of a variety of infections that range from mild to severe. It is a bacterium that can interfere with the proper functions of the respiratory muscles and be fatal. It is the cause of various diseases ranging from abscesses to toxic shock syndrome. Many strains of S. aureus have exhibited antibiotic resistance and the antibiotics that are currently in the market have severe side effects. Hence we sought to understand natural treatments, as opposed to artificial treatments, to inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation. This may lead to the rescuing of lives, as S. aureus biofilm formation is a key virulence factor of this pathogen. By examining effective dosage levels of olive and coconut oil-based soaps to inhibit biofilm formation, this investigation seeks to find natural remedies for S. aureus infections. A standard crystal violet assay was used to test the antibacterial activities of the agents, extra virgin olive & coconut oil-based soaps. Even though there was skewing of results due to contamination of the wells, the overall trend supports our hypothesis that the agents possess antimicrobial properties that inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation. We have also found that the threshold value of agents for inhibition of S.aureus biofilm formation lies between 0.1% and 0.01%. More diluted concentrations of those agents are not as effective against S. aureus biofilms.
The use of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and saccharin, are becoming more prevalent due to its popularity for low calorie diets and sugar alternatives, especially to those with diabetes. Artificial sweeteners have been found to cause adverse health effects ranging from headaches to cancer (Whitehouse, 2008). However, much of the research that has been done on the harmful effects of aspartame and saccharin is centered on their possible carcinogenic effects.
Little to no research has been conducted on the effects of aspartame and saccharin on the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome has been linked to the progression of multiple disorders based on the alterations in its composition. Studies have also found a bidirectional interaction between the gut microbiome and the brain (Ma, 2019). As many side effects of artificial sweeteners have
been reported in relation to the nervous system, we will explore if these artificial sweeteners are affecting the health of the gut microbiome. The aim of this study is to discuss the effects of aspartame and saccharin on human health, with emphasis on the gut microbiome.