Post on 18-Apr-2018
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An investigation into the antibacterial properties of Lucilia cuprina flies
Done by: Lee Liu Yi, Sherlene Goh Shi Li, Evelyn Lim Kim BoonHwa Chong Institution (College)
Mr Carl Baptista, Mrs Sim-Wang Hui Ming, Mrs Judith Cheng
ABSTRACTThe formation of biofilms on indwelling catheters has posed a problem to the medical industry.
Resistance of the bacteria to multiple antibiotics worsens the problem.
Hence, our project seeks to investigate the body fluids of Lucilia cuprina flies as previous research done on maggots proved that antibacterial compounds were present in that species.
In this study, the body fluids of Lucilia cuprina flies were extracted and screened against four strains of bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas putida and Micrococcus luteus
We hypothesize that the body fluids of Luci l ia cuprina flies do have antibacterial properties.
HYPOTHESIS
Preparation of body fluids of Lucilia cuprina flies
METHODS AND MATERIALS
Lucilia cuprina flies were frozen
Bodies crushed with
glass rod
Dilution with sterile water
Centrifuged at 7600 rpm for 10 mins
Serial dilution 9 centrifuge
tubes A-I prepared
Samples incubated overnight
Tubes A-D: diluted to power
-6
Tubes E-I: diluted to power -5
Culture in tubes then plated onto
agar plates
Agar plates incubated
overnight at 37°C
Tubes Reagents (ml)
Nutrient broth
Sterile Water
Fly
fluid
E. coli Staph. E P. putida M. Luteus
A 8.0 1.0 - 1.0 - - -
B 8.0 1.0 - - 1.0 - -
C 8.0 1.0 - - - 1.0 -
D 8.0 1.0 - - - - 1.0
E 8.0 1.0 1.0 - - - -
F 8.0 - 1.0 1.0 - - -
G 8.0 - 1.0 - 1.0 - -
H 8.0 - 1.0 - - 1.0 -
I 8.0 - 1.0 - - - 1.0
The results of the experiments show that the body fluid of Lucilia cuprina flies do have antibacterial properties, and is particularly effective against gram positive bacteria.
The body fluids of Lucilia cuprina flies showed antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus epidermidis, a gram positive bacteria that is commonly found on the skin of humans. Hence, this compound incorporated into surgical wipes to be used prior to surgery and in antiseptic lotions.
DISCUSSION
The body fluids of Lucilia Cuprina flies do have anti bacterial properties
The body fluids of Lucilia Cuprina flies are more effective against gram-positive bacteria
CONCLUSIONS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
RESULTS
Gram negative Gram positive
A vs. F (E. coli) C vs. H (P. putida) B vs. G (Staph. E) D vs. I (M. lut)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Escherichia coli Staphylococcus epidermidis
Pseudomonas putida
Micrococcus luteus
89
19 211312
4.8×10-6 1.9 5.7×10-6
Mill
ions
Chart showing colony count of control and sample plates
Control tubes
Sample tubes
Fig 1: Cartoon of a flyPicture taken from:
http://www.sleezybarbhorsewear.com/webpictures/Fly.gif
Fig 2: Lucilia cuprina flyTaken from: http://www.nku.edu/~dahlem/2006CollectingWeb/2006CollWeb%20Images/BlowFly2.JPG
Pictures taken by Lee Liu Yi
Our group would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people:
Our external mentor, Mr Carl Baptista as well as our teacher mentors, Mrs Sim-Wang Hui Ming and MrsJudith Cheng
The staff at Origin Scientia for their support and valuable input
Mdm Lim Cheng Fui, Mr Ng Kim Hoe and the rest of the staff at the SRC for their patience and guidance