Date of Degree

5-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Program

Biology

Advisor

Betsy Leverett

Advisor

Ana Vallor

Advisor

Christopher Pierce

Advisor

Russel Raymond

Abstract

Microbial biofilm associated infections are a significant threat to patients with medical devices and are partially responsible for the increased resistance seen in nosocomial infections. The biofilm chemical and physical properties restrict access of chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, there is a need to enhance the antimicrobial effects of current chemotherapeutic agents. Microalgae live in competitive environments that include film-forming, opportunistic pathogens S. maltophilia and C. albicans. Extracts from 5 diverse species of microalgae were screened for antimicrobial enhancing effects against established biofilms with two different extraction solvents, 3:1 hexanes and isopropyl (HIPA) and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF).

Three species, B. braunii, C. danica, and N. oculata showed statistically significant reduction in cell viability of S. maltophilia in an established biofilm (pN. oculata [M], showed enhancing effects of ceftriaxone against S. maltophilia in an established biofilm. Furthermore, B. braunii, C. danica, and N. oculata extracts showed a statistically significant reduction in cell viability of C. albicans in combination with fluconazole (p = 0.003, p = 0.002, and p = 0.021, respectively). Based on our findings, additional research should focus on the organic components of N. oculata, B. braunii, C. danica that contribute to reduced microbial cell viability in established biofilms. Furthermore, data suggests that 2-MTHF is a viable solvent for future extraction processes.

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