Bacteria can manufacture natural products in some of the harshest environments in the world. Of these products, some have been found to function as antibiotics and have been used to help treat various medical illnesses and infections. While a number of antibiotics have already been found and identified, such as penicillin, there are also many yet to be discovered. The purpose of this study is to identify new organic compounds made by actinomycete soil bacteria that can be used against harmful disease-causing bacteria, or fungal infections. In this project, three bacterial isolates, taken from 2,000 year old soil in Pollentia, Spain, were grown in liquid cultures, extracted and analyzed. Thin layer and flash chromatography were used to partially purify and isolate active compounds. Our goal was to isolate and purify fractions able to kill E. coli, Staph aureus and Pythium ultimum. Modern disease-causing bacteria may not have encountered products made by these microbes. The bacteria B4-2c and P11-3c showed activity and will be studied further. We also hope to identify the bacteria that make useful compounds through the use of spectroscopy and gram-staining.

Purification and isolation of natural compounds: Actinomycetes found in ancient soil

2019 Spring National Meeting

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