Title: Synthesis of Natural Plant compounds for comparison testing of Antibiotic action

By: Taylor D. Opolka

Abstract:
Research pertaining to the synthesis, discovery, and analysis of action of different natural products is largely applicable to problems faced in healthcare settings. The ways in which these organic compounds interact with pathogens and out bodies can play important roles in discovery of treatments for such issues such as infections and caused by pathogenic bacteria, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and more. In particular, novel antibiotic discovery via natural products is promising, as antibiotic resistance continues to be a worrisome problem in the healthcare field. Many natural products found in common plants such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, and hot peppers have been researched for their action in inhibiting microbes, but minimal literature exists comparing the actions of these commonly researched compounds to each-other. The purpose of our experimentation is to use the principles of organic chemistry and microbiology to explore these compounds via synthesis and antibiotic testing. Through this project we performed synthetic schemes to product these compounds in the lab and analyze their characteristics, and also to extracts these compounds from the plants themselves for testing of their antimicrobial effects against common pathogenic microbes such as E.coli, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas strains. We then hope to be able to compare the mechanisms of inhibition of these compounds to determine which is the most effective antibiotic.

Objectives:
To Apply the Principles of Organic Synthesis to Questions of Biological Importance and Explore the Applications of Natural Plant Products to the Realm of Healthcare. Elucidate a Better Understanding of the Antimicrobial Properties of the Selected Compounds to Contribute to Further Knowledge regarding Their Use in Antimicrobial agents. Synthesize compounds found in commonly encountered plants to compare their action in preventing microbial growth.

Methodology:
Synthesis of organic compounds using the principles of organic chemistry and analyzing the compounds for characteristics via NMR, TLC, IR spectroscopy, and more. Analysis of antimicrobial action of compounds in question against clinically relevant bacteria using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method of antibiotic testing.