Extraction and antimicrobial activity in three classes of microalgae

• In Event: Poster Presentation and Judging for: Biomedical; Cell & Molecular Biology; Chemistry & Biochemistry; Marine Science; Systematics & Evolutionary Biology.
  In Poster Session: Chemistry & Biochemistry Poster Session

Abstract

Biofilms are extracellular matrices produced by bacteria for adhesion and are a major factor in cell to cell gene transfer and the development of antimicrobial drug resistance (AMDR). AMDR is becoming a more prevalent and life-threatening feature of human infections, especially in hospital settings. Extracts of both marine and freshwater microalgae have been shown to have antimicrobial effects, including some activity of against bacterial biofilms. This study examines antimicrobial activity two types of lipid extracts from select species of freshwater and marine algae. Assays for bacterial biofilm formation, bacterial biofilm viability, and bacterial growth, have been performed according to established methods. Biofilms established by the gram negative pathogen, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, were stained with crystal violet stain and with the tetrazolium dye, MTT, after incubation with and without the presence of algal extract to determine the impact of extracts on biofilm formation and cell viability within biofilms. Antibiotic sensitivity in planktonic cultures of S. maltophilia was assessed with and without the presence of algal extracts according to established in vitro methods as a means of examining whether algal extracts increase sensitivity of S. maltophilia cultures to common antibiotics. Preliminary results demonstrate enhanced sensitivity of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia biofilms to rifampin, penicillin, streptomycin, and gentamycin in the presence of microalgal extracts. The extracts did not exhibit a significant impact on drug sensitivity in planktonic cultures of S. maltophilia, as demonstrated by the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of select antibiotics with and without extracts present.

Authors

• Patrick Matulich, University of the Incarnate Word

• BD Leverett, University of the Incarnate Word