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  • On the Effects of Supplemental Lycopene on Pseudomonas fluorescens Biofilm Growth and Their Therapeutic Potential

    Description:
    Even with modern medical discoveries and advances, few effective means exist to combat antibiotic resistance in the clinical setting, and as such treating infections due to pathogens that exhibit it continues to be a formidable challenge for doctors and medical practitioners. Often, it is found that antibiotic-resistant bacterial species have within their arsenals the ability to form what are called biofilms. Biofilms are communal, surface-associated assemblages of bacterial cells encased in polysaccharide matrix. Bacterial cells that live within such protective communities are usually more resistant to the effects of antimicrobial agents––like antibiotics––than planktonic (i.e., free-living) bacterial cells, often resulting in elevated levels of virulence and pathogenicity. Therefore, it stands to reason that novel treatments that specifically target the growth of bacterial biofilms would be greatly beneficial in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (colloquially called “superbugs”). This study in particular investigates whether supplemental lycopene has an inhibitory effect on the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms and whether this inhibition can be synergistically enhanced when used with the broad-spectrum antibiotic, chlortetracycline. Previous studies have established the anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties of lycopene (which is a red-colored carotenoid and antioxidant), but have not investigated its antimicrobial properties in much detail. Obtained results using a standard crystal violet (CV) biofilm assay do suggest that biofilm inhibition increases with increasing supplemental lycopene concentration, and that biofilm inhibition is more substantial when supplemental lycopene is allowed to exert its effects in conjunction with antibiotics like chlortetracycline. Studies involving similar assays are ongoing to corroborate the reproducibility and validity of the obtained results.
    Subject:
    Biochemistry
    Creator:
    Vora, Mihir J.
    Contributor:
    Dr. Jill Calahan, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    06/14/2022
    Date Modified:
    06/14/2022
    Date Created:
    Spring 2022
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper

  • The Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil based soaps on Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms

    Description:
    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.
    Subject:
    Biology
    Creator:
    Elkattawy, Sherif
    Contributor:
    Dr. Jill Calahan, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    10/14/2020
    Date Modified:
    10/14/2020
    Date Created:
    May 4, 2015
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper

  • A review of the effects of Aspartame and Saccharin on human health, with special emphasis on the gut microbiome

    Description:
    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.
    Subject:
    Biology
    Creator:
    Nazzal, Khawlah
    Contributor:
    Dr. Christina Mortellaro, Thesis Advisor and Dr. Jill Calahan, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    06/10/2020
    Date Modified:
    06/10/2020
    Date Created:
    April 20, 2020
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper