Amelia Morra | 2024 I.S. Symposium

Name: Amelia Morra
Title: Exploring the Impact of Temperature and Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf Extract on Biofilm Formation and Bacterial Growth in Pseudomonas Strains: Insights Into Antibiotic-Resistant Infections.
Major: Biology
Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Strand and Dr. Laura Sirot.

Biofilms coat the surfaces of bacterial cells, creating a matrix that contains an abundance of microorganisms, and play a major role in antibiotic-resistant infections. In this study we measured bacterial growth and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas strains in response to different temperatures and exposure to Stevia leaf extract. The Pseudomonas strains tested showed different responses to varying temperature, and stevia extract inhibited biofilm formation in some of the strains. Our findings suggest that closely-related Pseudomonas strains have similar regulation of biofilm formation in response to temperature and stevia extract. Further studies could examine the stages of biofilm formation and the timing of intervention with stevia.

Posted in Symposium 2024 on April 19, 2024.