| |
| author |
Sarah Alfau
| | title |
Effects of Tea Tree Oil against Persister Cells from Biofilm Structures
| | abstract |
Persister cells are bacterial cells that enter a dormant state once exposed to
stress. However, upon improvement of environmental conditions, these cells newly engage in
growth, contributing to the recurrence of chronic infections associated with the emergence of the
current antibiotic crisis. Biofilms are enclosed microbial communities in an extracellular matrix
that characterized these microbial communities capable of withstanding harsh environmental
conditions. Additionally, it has been observed that up to 1% of persister cells can be found within
these biofilm structures. Overall, establishing biofilm development as a leading contributor to the
antibiotic crisis. In this study, we examined the effects of tea tree essential oil (TTO) against
Escherichia coli persister cells in biofilm structures, the minimal inhibitory ofloxacin (OFX)
concentration and time length required to isolate E. coli persister cells within biofilms, the
methodology of the OFX treatment, and whether persistence was being expressed. Following a
biphasic bacterial curve, we determined that 25 µg/ml OFX under 24 hr exposure provides
enough time and strength to successfully isolate persister cells within biofilm structures. The
current OFX treatment methodology seems to be consistent enough to successfully isolate
persister cells in these structures. Additionally, we observed that we successfully isolated
persister cells within biofilms structures. Lastly, assessing percent cell survival, we observed that
TTO significantly eradicates E. coli persister cells in biofilms.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.S. (2024)
|
| advisor |
Christopher Fazen
|
| committee |
Tammy Windfelder
Adam Cassano
|
| full text | SAlfau.pdf - requires Drew uLogin |
| |
