Скачать или смотреть Investigating the Antibiotic Properties of Ganoderma lucidum Extract - Ashley McIntosh

Antibiotics play an important role in our society by keeping most bacterial diseases under control. Bacteria are mutating at a faster rate than scientists can discover new antibiotics. Also, the overuse of antibiotics by the medical field have increased antibiotic resistant bacterium including MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus). It is important that scientists continue studying the potential of antibiotics. Without this continuous research, bacterial diseases will become prevalent once again contributing the deaths and illness of many. The first antibiotic, Penicillin, was isolated from a fungus and many more are produced by other bacteria and fungi. This research project investigates the common mushroom Ganoderma lucidum also known as Reishi for its antibiotic activity. There will be two forms of Reishi tested; store bought and extract from a close relative done in the lab. The antibiotic producing abilities of Reishi will be tested on Staphylococcus epidermis and Escherichia coli. This will be accomplished by serial diluting Reishi and using the Kirby Bauer method to investigate the strength of Reishi as an antibiotic producer. It is hypothesized that Reishi will effectively produce antibiotics against Gram negative and Gram Positive bacterium.