Quantifying Nanoparticle Toxicity in Bacterial Cells
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biology and Psychology
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David J.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
OURE Fellows and EPA
Abstract
Pneumonia can come in all shapes and sizes. One form called Legionnaires' disease results from the Legionella pneumophila bacterium that contaminates water sources used by humans. The goal of this project is to find out the effectiveness of using copper nanoparticles to eradicate these bacterial colonies from pipes, showerheads, and other water reservoirs in order to reduce the likelihood of developing this form of pneumonia. The aim was to determine the concentration of nanoparticles that was the most effective in killing an avirulent strain of the bacteria (LP02) by performing serial dilutions, reading the OD600, and plating the dilutions to estimate colony counts. The results of this project indicate that the ideal concentration of nanoparticles for eliminating LP02 from the suspension is around 1:2000 ul/ml dilution.
Biography
Gabrielle Hightower is a junior from Kansas City, Missouri majoring in Biology and Psychology. She has participated in Missouri S&T's FYRE, OURE, and OURE Fellows programs as well as the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship through the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She plans on using this experience once she graduates to obtain her PhD and conduct research. When she is not conducting research, she is an active member of Chi Omega, Missouri S&T Ballet and Dance Club, Blue Key, and SCRUBS.
Presentation Type
OURE Fellows Final Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Ozark Room
Presentation Date
14 Apr 2022, 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Quantifying Nanoparticle Toxicity in Bacterial Cells
Ozark Room
Pneumonia can come in all shapes and sizes. One form called Legionnaires' disease results from the Legionella pneumophila bacterium that contaminates water sources used by humans. The goal of this project is to find out the effectiveness of using copper nanoparticles to eradicate these bacterial colonies from pipes, showerheads, and other water reservoirs in order to reduce the likelihood of developing this form of pneumonia. The aim was to determine the concentration of nanoparticles that was the most effective in killing an avirulent strain of the bacteria (LP02) by performing serial dilutions, reading the OD600, and plating the dilutions to estimate colony counts. The results of this project indicate that the ideal concentration of nanoparticles for eliminating LP02 from the suspension is around 1:2000 ul/ml dilution.
