Inhibition for P. destructans
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Chemical Engineering
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David J.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE)
Abstract
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is a fungus invading caves and drastically killing off bat populations across America. It causes a disease known as White Nose Syndrome, which affects hibernating bats. Agriculture costs have spiked due to the increase in insects caused by the dwindling bat populations. Our paper investigates ways to inhibit the growth of P. destructans by using naturally occurring antifungal agents. We explored the possibilities of using azoles and allylamines, chitin-degrading organisms, and bacteria with specific properties that hinder the growth of P. destructans. Our most promising finding was the bacteria Rhodococcus rhodochrous, which kills P. destructans with simple aromatic exposure. We propose to look into the compounds used in this aromatic exposure to determine if the bacteria’s characteristic could be applied to caves affected by White Nose Syndrome.
Biography
Claire Wilmore is a sophomore at Missouri S&T working towards a degree in Chemical Engineering. She is involved on campus with IGEM and Greek Life. She is looking forward to getting her degree and new challenges ahead.
Research Category
Research Proposals
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2016, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Inhibition for P. destructans
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is a fungus invading caves and drastically killing off bat populations across America. It causes a disease known as White Nose Syndrome, which affects hibernating bats. Agriculture costs have spiked due to the increase in insects caused by the dwindling bat populations. Our paper investigates ways to inhibit the growth of P. destructans by using naturally occurring antifungal agents. We explored the possibilities of using azoles and allylamines, chitin-degrading organisms, and bacteria with specific properties that hinder the growth of P. destructans. Our most promising finding was the bacteria Rhodococcus rhodochrous, which kills P. destructans with simple aromatic exposure. We propose to look into the compounds used in this aromatic exposure to determine if the bacteria’s characteristic could be applied to caves affected by White Nose Syndrome.
Comments
Joint project with Sonya Roberts