There is need of research on bioadjuvants for pest management, which allows ecofriendly solutions and keeps the expansion of non�traditional applications of plants extracts. One source of such natural surfactans �and other bioactive molecules� are the rich in biodiversity Guatemalan ecosystems. Due to their saponin content, the extracts of Teloxys graveolens (Apazote) and Abies guatemalensis (Pinabete) have the potential for their usage of a natural as surfactants to enhance the permeation of biocides in cells. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the aerial parts and roots of Teloxys graveolens were estudied, and the wood of Abies guatemalensis as well. Purification was guided by haemolysis activity . Other tests included: haemolysis, Bauer and Kirby resistance assay against a set of eight bacteria, and a synergistic assay. The purification process was guided by haemolysis assay. The leaves methanolic extract yielded a bacteriostatic effect against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The butanolic fraction of the Teloxys graveolens was surfactant (30 % surface tension reduction), and an additive antibiotic effect. The butanolic fraction of Abies guatemalensis (10 % surface tension reduction) showed synergistic effects: about 20% above the additive effect, when administered with antibiotic tetracyclin to Enterobacter cloacae for which. Future work includes the fungicide bioassays on yeasts and coffee rust; structure elucidation is ongoing. Other applications are being considered.

Targeting bioactive molecules in tropical forests: Toward ecofriendly plant management through the exploration of natural surfactants

248th National Meeting (2014)

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