Inhibition of biofilm formation of food borne pathogens using phytochemicals

Project Title

Inhibition of biofilm formation of food borne pathogens using phytochemicals

Project Area of Specialization Biomedical EngineeringProject Summary

Food borne diseases have become a major public health concern nowadays. The main cause of contamination is poor environment conditions, poor personal hygiene and food handling. Bacterial biofilms, aggregates of microorganisms, provide a protective environment and are responsible for persistent infections leading towards drug resistance and recurrence of diseases. For biofilm inhibition, phytochemicals possess an advantage over synthetic molecules. In the present study, different phytochemicals will be utilized as an antimicrobial agent to inhibit the biofilm formation of foodborne microorganisms. Plant extracts of diverse plant species will be extracted. Food pathogens will be isolated from different food samples. The isolated will be identified using selective and differential media. The characteristics of biofilm will be studied using microscopic analysis tools. Minimal inhibitory concentration of the plant extract was estimated against the isolated foodborne pathogens. Overall it is expected to inhibit the biofilm using phytochemicals that are effective against pathogenic bacteria. Phytochemicals exhibiting antimicrobial activities have tremendous potential in combating pathogenic diseases.

Project Objectives

To determine the biofilm inhibition ability of pathogens isolated from food products using plant extracts.

Project Implementation Method

Wet lab work

Benefits of the Project

Extensive use of antibiotic has culminated in the advent of untreatable diseases by conventional antibiotic therapy due to multidrug-resistant bacteria. The severity and persistence of the infection increases when the pathogenic bacteria produce biofilm, which provides them protective shield. Natural compounds including phytochemicals exhibited an ability to be used as a valuable antimicrobial agent against the bacterial biofilm. The use of these phytotherapeutic agents will be beneficial in combating the biofilm producing infectious diseases.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

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Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry OthersOther IndustriesCore Technology OthersOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	70000
Chemical	Equipment	10	2500	25000
Consumables	Miscellaneous	4	2500	10000
Analysis	Equipment	10	3500	35000