The purpose of this research is to identify and standardize testing strategies to evaluate the potential antibiotic activity of compounds produced by organic synthesis. Though not definitive, an initial assessment of biological activity can suggest potential or help prioritize molecules for further study. Bacterial growth inhibition can be measured using small samples of a compound transferred onto a lawn of the bacteria on an enriched agar plate. Antibiotic compounds will produce a clearing, or halo, around the site of application where bacteria were unable to grow. We initially plan to test the effectiveness of individual organic compounds against representative bacterial strains of <i>Escherichia coli</i> (gram negative) and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (gram positive) strains, but additional organisms may be explored later to broaden the scope of the testing. Any active compound will then be applied in decreasing doses to determine the minimal inhibition concentration. To address limited water solubility for many of the solid organic compounds, we will need to use alternative solvents for application of the compounds. We will evaluate our methods for introducing the samples onto bacterial lawns to ensure the solvent does not influence bacterial growth independently. With a standardized testing strategy in place, antibiotic compounds produced in the future can also be tested in a similar fashion.

Development of screening strategy for potential antibiotics

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.