Isolation and characterization of siderophore(s) from Lelliottia amnigena
Abstract
Every year antibiotic resistant bacteria contribute to millions of deaths, with the number only set to grow each year. As such, it is vital to develop new, effective treatments for antibiotic resistant bacteria. Because of the difficulty of developing new antibiotics, it is more efficient to find ways to bypass resistance altogether. To obtain iron and other vital metals in harsh environments, many bacteria produce compounds called siderophores. These compounds use specialized pathways to traverse the cell, which can be exploited by attaching antibiotics to slip into the bacteria like a Trojan horse. However, not all siderophores can enter all bacteria, and not all bacteria produce enough siderophores to be economically viable as the basis of a treatment. To that end, it is important to test a wide variety of novel bacteria to determine if their siderophores could be used in a new meditation, such as the subject of this project, Lelliottia amnigena. To maximize the quantity of siderophores produced by L. amnigena, the source and concentration of carbon, nitrogen, iron, and various salts in the minimal media used to grow the bacteria was optimized. Additionally, the growth time, aeration ratio, and temperature were tested to find the ideal growth conditions. Following growth of a batch of bacteria, optical density of the media and of an Arnow’s Assay of the supernatant of the media were used to determine the quantity of bacteria and siderophores, respectively. After optimization, by using column chromatography followed by RP-HPLC of supernatant from centrifuged media, siderophores can be purified from media for additional testing. Spectral analysis and amino acid hydrolysis via thin layer chromatography are expected to determine the chemical composition and metal affinity of Lelliottia amnigena’s siderophores. After optimization, a formulation that produces over ten times the original production of siderophores has been created.
Start Time
15-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 12:00 PM
Room Number
311
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Science, Technology, and Engineering
Student Type
Graduate
Faculty Mentor
Ranjan Chakraborty
Isolation and characterization of siderophore(s) from Lelliottia amnigena
311
Every year antibiotic resistant bacteria contribute to millions of deaths, with the number only set to grow each year. As such, it is vital to develop new, effective treatments for antibiotic resistant bacteria. Because of the difficulty of developing new antibiotics, it is more efficient to find ways to bypass resistance altogether. To obtain iron and other vital metals in harsh environments, many bacteria produce compounds called siderophores. These compounds use specialized pathways to traverse the cell, which can be exploited by attaching antibiotics to slip into the bacteria like a Trojan horse. However, not all siderophores can enter all bacteria, and not all bacteria produce enough siderophores to be economically viable as the basis of a treatment. To that end, it is important to test a wide variety of novel bacteria to determine if their siderophores could be used in a new meditation, such as the subject of this project, Lelliottia amnigena. To maximize the quantity of siderophores produced by L. amnigena, the source and concentration of carbon, nitrogen, iron, and various salts in the minimal media used to grow the bacteria was optimized. Additionally, the growth time, aeration ratio, and temperature were tested to find the ideal growth conditions. Following growth of a batch of bacteria, optical density of the media and of an Arnow’s Assay of the supernatant of the media were used to determine the quantity of bacteria and siderophores, respectively. After optimization, by using column chromatography followed by RP-HPLC of supernatant from centrifuged media, siderophores can be purified from media for additional testing. Spectral analysis and amino acid hydrolysis via thin layer chromatography are expected to determine the chemical composition and metal affinity of Lelliottia amnigena’s siderophores. After optimization, a formulation that produces over ten times the original production of siderophores has been created.
