Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Sofia Saldarriaga, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Sofia Saldarriaga
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Hugo Castillo
Abstract
With space travel becoming more prominent, researchers have been avidly searching for ways to not only improve survivability of astronauts in space, but also allow for a thriving environment while on long-duration missions. In order to execute this goal, scientists must first look at how an astronaut’s physiological health is affected by microgravity conditions, and how the dosage of antibiotics used to treat certain infections are affected as well.
In this research study, the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) of the antibiotic Gentamicin against Staphylococcus epidermidis will be evaluated and compared in both gravity and simulated microgravity conditions. The minimum inhibitory concentration is defined as the smallest dose required to effectively hinder growth of a certain bacterium. Because bacteria experience metabolic changes when exposed to microgravity, they change their resistance to antibiotics in space.
The EagleStat was used as a microgravity simulation device to help mimic space conditions. After exposing the bacteria of interest to microgravity (treatment), results indicated a shorter lag period than those grown in gravity (control) conditions, thus requiring a larger dose of the antibiotic of interest.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Calculating the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Gentamycin on Staphylococcus epidermidis Grown Under Simulated Microgravity
With space travel becoming more prominent, researchers have been avidly searching for ways to not only improve survivability of astronauts in space, but also allow for a thriving environment while on long-duration missions. In order to execute this goal, scientists must first look at how an astronaut’s physiological health is affected by microgravity conditions, and how the dosage of antibiotics used to treat certain infections are affected as well.
In this research study, the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) of the antibiotic Gentamicin against Staphylococcus epidermidis will be evaluated and compared in both gravity and simulated microgravity conditions. The minimum inhibitory concentration is defined as the smallest dose required to effectively hinder growth of a certain bacterium. Because bacteria experience metabolic changes when exposed to microgravity, they change their resistance to antibiotics in space.
The EagleStat was used as a microgravity simulation device to help mimic space conditions. After exposing the bacteria of interest to microgravity (treatment), results indicated a shorter lag period than those grown in gravity (control) conditions, thus requiring a larger dose of the antibiotic of interest.