Presenter(s)

Marissa Christine Jama

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Description

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing porphyrins has emerged as a possible ancillary treatment against antibiotic resistant bacteria. Porphyrins, such a novel zinc containing porphyrin designated ZnP, create reactive oxygen species that are toxic to bacterial cells utilizing light by a mechanism that is not yet fully understood. Previous experiments have shown ZnP to be able to kill microorganisms in the dark which is unique to few porphyrins. The aim of this research is to understand the effect ZnP has on Mycobacterium smegmatis, a model organism for the pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuburculosis which causes the lung infection tuberculosis. Further experimentation includes understanding the effects of ZnP on M. smegmatis biofilm formation and disruption as well as antibiotic uptake in formerly antibiotic resistant cells.

Publication Date

4-5-2017

Project Designation

Honors Thesis - Undergraduate

Primary Advisor

Jayne B. Robinson

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium project

Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Dark Therapy Utilizing Porphyrins Against Infections Caused by the Model Organism Mycobacterium smegmatis

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