Thesis Abstract

Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance has become a global health concern, necessitating the exploration of alternative sources for antimicrobial agents. This thesis focuses on investigating the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts against pathogenic bacteria. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of various plant extracts in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, with the ultimate goal of identifying potential natural antimicrobial agents. The research begins with a comprehensive review of the literature, highlighting the current understanding of antimicrobial resistance, the mechanisms of action of plant extracts against bacteria, and previous studies on the antimicrobial properties of specific plant species. This literature review provides a solid foundation for the subsequent experimental investigation. The methodology chapter outlines the experimental design and procedures used in the study. Various plant extracts will be extracted using different solvents, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing against a panel of pathogenic bacteria. The research methodology also includes phytochemical analysis to identify the active compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts. The findings chapter presents the results of the antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the plant extracts against different bacterial strains. The discussion of findings analyzes the efficacy of the plant extracts compared to conventional antibiotics, explores the potential synergistic effects of combining plant extracts, and discusses the implications of the results in the context of combating antimicrobial resistance. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on natural antimicrobial agents by demonstrating the potential of plant extracts as effective inhibitors of pathogenic bacteria. The study underscores the importance of exploring alternative sources of antimicrobial agents and highlights the value of plant-derived compounds in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. The findings of this research have implications for the development of novel antimicrobial therapies and the promotion of sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to combating infectious diseases. Keywords antimicrobial properties, plant extracts, pathogenic bacteria, antimicrobial resistance, natural antimicrobial agents, minimum inhibitory concentration, phytochemical analysis.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Investigating the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts against pathogenic bacteria" aims to explore the potential of plant extracts as alternative antimicrobial agents against pathogenic bacteria. With the increasing concern over antibiotic resistance and the limited effectiveness of conventional antibiotics, there is a growing interest in natural products, particularly plant extracts, for their antimicrobial properties. This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of selected plant extracts in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria through a series of laboratory experiments and analysis. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current understanding of antimicrobial properties of plant extracts and the mechanisms by which they exert their effects on bacterial pathogens. This review will also highlight the limitations of existing antimicrobial agents and the need for novel alternatives to combat bacterial infections effectively. The methodology section of the study will detail the experimental design, including the selection of plant extracts, bacterial strains to be tested, and the antimicrobial assay techniques to be employed. The research will focus on investigating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the plant extracts against a panel of pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The findings from the experimental analysis will be presented and discussed in detail in the subsequent chapters of the research. The results will be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the plant extracts in inhibiting bacterial growth and the potential mechanisms underlying their antimicrobial activity. Additionally, the study will explore any synergistic effects of combining multiple plant extracts or plant extracts with conventional antibiotics to enhance antimicrobial efficacy. The implications of the research findings will be discussed in the context of developing new antimicrobial agents from plant sources that could potentially address the challenge of antibiotic resistance. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to the field of microbiology and the potential application of plant extracts as natural antimicrobial agents in clinical settings. In conclusion, the research project on investigating the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts against pathogenic bacteria holds promise for advancing our understanding of alternative antimicrobial strategies and developing novel therapeutic options for combating bacterial infections.