Date of Award
Summer 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS) in Biology
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
Dr. Jocelyn Moore
Abstract
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a growing concern for the medical and biological community. Increased use of antibiotics has led to increased development of bacterial tolerances. This phenomenon, driven by the principles of evolution, has been exacerbated by the improper antibiotic use of these antibiotics. Often, individuals stop taking antibiotics once symptoms subside, mistakenly believing the infection is cured. This practice allows bacteria or fungi to develop resistance.
These antibiotics have been developed from secondary metabolites. While we have many effective antibiotics we are facing new threats. Chalcones are being looked at for their potential in addressing this issue. Chalcones have not only shown promise in antibiotic use but have various other medical applications, including antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant, antilarval, and antimalarial uses.
This study aims to assess the antimicrobial properties of novel chalcones while contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting this potential. To do so we exposed various bacteria to different concentrations of chalcones to quantitatively measure their effects. Additionally, we will investigate the synergistic potential of chalcones when combined with other known antimicrobial treatments.