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ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5777-3493

Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

thesis

Degree Program

Microbiology

Degree Type

Master of Science (M.S.)

Year Degree Awarded

2023

Month Degree Awarded

May

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of bacterial infections has made it necessary to find novel methods of combatting the resistance of bacteria to conventional antibiotics. Mycobacterium abscessus is an increasingly prevalent pathogen that is intrinsically drug resistant, therefore difficult to treat. The use of phytochemicals as a source of alternate antibiotics has been explored, however, the poor solubility of phytochemicals in water makes it difficult to effectively deliver them to bacterial biofilms. In this study, I investigated the efficacy of nanosponge-emulsified phytochemicals in killing M. abscessus biofilms. The nanosponge technology was used to improve the solubility and stability of the phytochemicals, allowing for improved bioavailability. Results showed that the nanosponge-emulsified phytochemicals effectively reduced the viability of M. abscessus biofilms, compared to non-emulsified phytochemicals. The findings of this study contribute to a development of new strategies for the treatment of bacterial infections and demonstrate the potential of nanosponge-emulsified phytochemicals as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/34700187

First Advisor

Yasu S. Morita

Second Advisor

Michele Klingbeil

Third Advisor

Sloan Siegrist

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