Booth Id:
MCRO023T
Category:
Microbiology
Year:
2021
Finalist Names:
Greer, Emma (School: Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology)
Lin, Cynthia (School: Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology)
Pham, Jennie (School: Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology)
Abstract:
Cuts and abrasions occur commonly in everyday life. Without treatment, wounds can become infected and cause further complications. Combating this, new and natural alternatives, like Trametes versicolor, Turkey Tail, are of rising interest. This fungus is known to exhibit therapeutic properties: from combating cancer to aiding other sicknesses, and its structural component, chitosan, may play a large role in its medicinal properties. It was hypothesized that if chitosan was extracted from Turkey Tail mushroom and made into a wound dressing, then the product will successfully inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Chitosan was extracted from Turkey Tail through various processes, including grinding, NaOH and acetic acid baths, and ethanol washes. Pieces were dried and combined, alongside other experimental groups, with sodium alginate to create 5% bio-inks. After printing, wound dressings were tested against S. epidermidis. After 24 hours, no observable zones of inhibition were apparent in all trials. After 48 hours, contamination was present, which may have resulted from not autoclaving the bandages. Under a gram-stain, S. epidermidis, unidentified pink shaped rods, and large strands were observed under a microscope. Results indicated that both the Turkey Tail and chitosan were unable to inhibit the growth of bacterium and other pathogens. Further studies may include various extraction methods or other testable compounds in Turkey Tail like polysaccharide K.