Location
OCB 100
Start Date
28-4-2022 12:00 PM
Document Type
Poster
Description
As antibiotic resistance increases in the world, it becomes increasingly important to investigate new species of microbes that exhibit anti-microbial properties in order to improve healthcare outcomes. Approximately 1.27 million people died in 2019 from the effects of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The preponderance of antibiotics that are used today were found in soil sample cultures and the identification work continues today via the Tiny Earth Network’s partnership with Johnson County Community College. The research includes an initial analysis of an Ironwoods Park soil sample via a serial dilution process, yielding several potential candidates. One promising candidate was chosen based on the antimicrobial properties found during an ESKAPE relative screening process. To identify this bacterium, the candidate was first analyzed using a dichotomous key. Analysis included light microscopy, Gram staining, spore staining and acid staining processes. In addition, several metabolic tests were completed, the oxygen requirements of the bacterium were tested, and motility determined. DNA sequencing was performed after a PCR and gel electrophoresis was completed. Ultimately, the Ironwoods Park bacterium was identified.
Image
Promising Bacterium from Ironwoods Park
OCB 100
As antibiotic resistance increases in the world, it becomes increasingly important to investigate new species of microbes that exhibit anti-microbial properties in order to improve healthcare outcomes. Approximately 1.27 million people died in 2019 from the effects of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The preponderance of antibiotics that are used today were found in soil sample cultures and the identification work continues today via the Tiny Earth Network’s partnership with Johnson County Community College. The research includes an initial analysis of an Ironwoods Park soil sample via a serial dilution process, yielding several potential candidates. One promising candidate was chosen based on the antimicrobial properties found during an ESKAPE relative screening process. To identify this bacterium, the candidate was first analyzed using a dichotomous key. Analysis included light microscopy, Gram staining, spore staining and acid staining processes. In addition, several metabolic tests were completed, the oxygen requirements of the bacterium were tested, and motility determined. DNA sequencing was performed after a PCR and gel electrophoresis was completed. Ultimately, the Ironwoods Park bacterium was identified.
Comments
The faculty mentor for this project was Heather Seitz, Biology.