Booth Id:
MCRO026
Category:
Microbiology
Year:
2019
Finalist Names:
Alborano, Jeena (School: North Toole County High School)
Abstract:
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of iron oxide nanoparticles as an anti-microbial agent against Escherishia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas fragi.
For experimentation in this investigation, concentrations of 50 μl and 25 μl were applied using a micropipette technique to blank sterile disks and placed onto a petri dish of either Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermis, Bacillus cereus. One blank sterile disk (for the control) and one tetracycline disk (to use as a standard for comparison) was also added to each bacterial plate. The dishes were then incubated at 37 degrees Celsius. At 12 hour increments over a 72 hour period, petri dishes were observed and the zones of inhibition were recorded in millimeters. With a fair quantity of these tests showing statistical significance, it is very possible that a 50 μl of biotin functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles is a possible antibiotic solution against Escherishia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas fragi. I am able to fully accept my hypothesis, for the 50 μl concentration of the nanoparticles was the most effective concentration in inhibiting bacterial growth.