Gel Jail: Locking up quorum sensing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium with antimicrobial resistance that can cause infection in immunocompromised populations by attacking the skin, lungs, blood, and other parts of the body. Pyocyanin is a quorum sensing molecule secreted by Pseudomonas that has a blue-green tint. It acts as a signaling molecule, creates biofilms, facilitates extracellular DNA, and possesses other factors that contribute to microbial resistance and virulence. A uniquely formulated antimicrobial gel (AMG) by our collaborator has previously displayed inhibitory properties against several wound infection-causing microbes. In the present study, we examined the effects AMG exerts upon Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth and pyocyanin production. In planktonic cultures with and without AMG, Pseudomonas growth did not appear to be significantly inhibited. However, there was an observable inhibition of the typical blue-green pyocyanin coloration in AMG treated Pseudomonas cultures. To evaluate this observation, we amended and optimized a previously developed isolation protocol for pyocyanin. In planktonic Pseudomonas cultures with AMG, there was a significant reduction in pyocyanin production. This experiment was expanded to include Pseudomonas biofilm growth. In spectrophotometer readings of glacial acetic acid lysed biofilms, the AMG was shown to inhibit the attachment phase of Pseudomonas biofilms. Taken together, the results indicate that AMG could potentially be used as a therapeutic to “turn off” Pseudomonas virulence and communication. Medically, this would help patients with topical infections of Pseudomonas recover quicker, as it would hinder the bacterium’s ability to communicate, stop the infection from progressing further, and aid in inhibiting the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 4:30 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
9
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Faculty Mentor
Sean Fox
Gel Jail: Locking up quorum sensing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Culp Ballroom 316
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium with antimicrobial resistance that can cause infection in immunocompromised populations by attacking the skin, lungs, blood, and other parts of the body. Pyocyanin is a quorum sensing molecule secreted by Pseudomonas that has a blue-green tint. It acts as a signaling molecule, creates biofilms, facilitates extracellular DNA, and possesses other factors that contribute to microbial resistance and virulence. A uniquely formulated antimicrobial gel (AMG) by our collaborator has previously displayed inhibitory properties against several wound infection-causing microbes. In the present study, we examined the effects AMG exerts upon Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth and pyocyanin production. In planktonic cultures with and without AMG, Pseudomonas growth did not appear to be significantly inhibited. However, there was an observable inhibition of the typical blue-green pyocyanin coloration in AMG treated Pseudomonas cultures. To evaluate this observation, we amended and optimized a previously developed isolation protocol for pyocyanin. In planktonic Pseudomonas cultures with AMG, there was a significant reduction in pyocyanin production. This experiment was expanded to include Pseudomonas biofilm growth. In spectrophotometer readings of glacial acetic acid lysed biofilms, the AMG was shown to inhibit the attachment phase of Pseudomonas biofilms. Taken together, the results indicate that AMG could potentially be used as a therapeutic to “turn off” Pseudomonas virulence and communication. Medically, this would help patients with topical infections of Pseudomonas recover quicker, as it would hinder the bacterium’s ability to communicate, stop the infection from progressing further, and aid in inhibiting the development of antimicrobial resistance.
