Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Keywords

Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, antibacterial action, total phenolic content, methanol leaf extract.

Abstract

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the safety of the public, especially in hospitals wherein multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa are common. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a prevalent cause of nosocomial pneumonia in people with compromised immune systems. The increasing antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa necessitates the investigation of alternative treatments, including natural sources. Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala (curly kale) is well-known for its nutritional and therapeutic characteristics, including bioactive components including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and glucosinolates, which may have antibacterial activities. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of crude methanolic extracts from curly kale leaves against P. aeruginosa. This study conducted in vitro experiments, including phytochemical screening, to find beneficial compounds and quantify total phenolic content. The phytochemical examination revealed the presence of alkaloid compounds, phenol compounds, and saponins. The total phenolic content test yielded 1662.530 ± 48.2 mg of Gallic Acid Equivalents/15g dry weight. The antibacterial characteristics were evaluated utilising a Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and broth microdilution method. The findings indicate that Soxhlet extraction with pure methanol did not yield an extract with inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa. This lack of activity could be related to heat breakdown during extraction or a solvent-polarity mismatch. These findings highlight the importance of extraction processes in distinguishing bioactive compounds and suggest that alternative tactics may be more effective. This study looks into the need for novel antimicrobials to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.

First Advisor

Walter Aljohn T. Espiritu

Download

Share

COinS