Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology

Keywords

Corchorus aestuans, silver nanoparticles, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, virulence factors, biofilm

Abstract

The Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to survive in versatile environments and cause human diseases. P. aeruginosa has the ability to form biofilms, which acts as a protective layer for the bacteria against antibiotics and the human immune system. To aid the inhibition of biofilms, Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are made up of nano-sized silver particles that can be synthesized in a variety of configurations, allowing them to enter bacterial cell membranes, disturb their biological processes, and ultimately cause the bacterium to perish. This study explored Corchorus aestuans, a functional plant that has multiple health benefits and pharmacological properties; by extracting silver nanoparticles via green synthesis for the attenuation of the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and PA14. UV-VIS and SEM-EDX analysis were used, revealing that the extracted silver nanoparticles were spherical and have sizes of 12–23.5 nm. UV-VIS showed peaks at 430 nm with an absorbance of 1.6494, indicating the presence of AgNPs. MIC and sub-MIC were evaluated, exhibiting at higher concentrations of extracted silver nanoparticles, the strains were inhibited. Growth curve analysis was also performed. Virulence factors of the bacteria strains were assessed. Pyocyanin production was reduced at 1/8 sub-MIC and rhamnolipid production was enhanced in both strains. Swimming and swarming motility of the strains has been found inhibited. The 1/8 of extracted silver nanoparticles has shown potential inhibition of the proteolytic activity. The biofilm inhibition was found at the highest sub-MIC for both strains. Overall, the results suggest that extracted silver nanoparticles from Corchorus aestuans using respective concentrations as treatment to both strains hold potential in attenuating the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and PA14.

First Advisor

April O. Bermejo-Ambita

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