Abstract

Multidrug resistant bacterial infections, which arise due to misuse and overuse of antibiotics, are responsible for many nosocomial infections and are a threat to human health. Derivatization of known antibiotic compounds via total or semisynthesis can be time consuming and ineffective at targeting specific bacteria. This investigation focuses on bacteria found in the phytotelmata of Sarracenia pitcher plants and the natural antibiotic compounds they secrete under varying conditions. The aim of the project is to find single-producer and co-culture producing bacteria that secrete secondary metabolites effective against broad spectrum of Gram-positive and -negative pathogens. Two different species of Pseudomonas (CMCP E3, SS 827) and a Chromobacterium (CP SSIV) isolated in this study have been found to be effective against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and the fungi Fusarium solani. The bacteria strains were cultured in minimal media containing either succinate or citrate that showed the densest growth after 72 hours. A 6 L citrate culture of the CMCP E3 bacterium yielded on average 32 mg of crude product and 9 mg of antibacterial compound. CPSS IV yielded an average of 16.8 mg crude natural product per 6 L culture. Characterization of these compounds has not been completed.

How to Cite