Marta Fa Binefa, Thompson Rivers University
Abstract
The aim of this study is to characterize the chemical components of various propolis of different origins and identify its bioactive properties against biofilms, multi-drug resistant bacteria and against Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Propolis is a resinous substance produced by honeybees throughout the year and the composition of it can vary depending on the bee varieties, geographical factors, and plant species around the beehive.
In this study, propolis extract/ tincture from Mongolia, Spain, New Zealand, and three locations in Kamloops will be characterized by using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). They will then be tested on the target organisms. It will be tested on planktonic cultures of multi-drug resistant bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. It will also be tested on Pd spores by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay and on a multi-drug resistant bacterial biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the MBEC P&G assay.
This study is expected to give a better understanding of the antimicrobial and antifungal activity of propolis. We expect to see a different spectrum of bioactivity between different propolis, as the composition will probably be different and this will lead to a different specificity of its bioactivity.
Department
Biological Sciences
Faculty Advisor
Naowarat Cheeptham
* THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.