International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences
ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 2 Number 9 (2013) pp. 310-315
Investigating the use of Enaphalodes rufulus (red oak borer) as an antimicrobial agent
Victoria Robinson1 , Chris Reeves1* , Keesoo Lee2 , Swaminathan Palanisami2 , Baskar Balakrishnan2 and Paul Ki-souk Nam 3
1Camdenton High School, Lake of the Ozarks, Camdenton R-III School District, Camdenton, MO 65020, United States 2Center for Bioenergy, Cooperative Research, Lincoln University in Missouri, Jefferson City, MO 65101, United States 3Department of Chemistry, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, United States *Corresponding author e-mail: creeves@camdentonschools.org
ABSTRACT
Enaphalodes rufulus (red oak borer) are insects that dwell within the bark of Red Oak trees and cause the indwelled trees to die. The relatively warm, moist environment in which they live is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow as well. It was hypothesized that in order for these insects to survive in such conditions, they must possess antimicrobial resistance. This antimicrobial resistance in insects has been shown to inhibit other types of bacteria, which often cause many health problems for humans. It was decided to apply this concept in researching the Enaphalodes rufulus as a potential inhibitor. The inhibiting nature of the bacteria from these insects was determined based on the Kirby-Brauer Disc Diffusion Method and the cross-streaking method. Results show that these insects do not possess inhibiting properties; however, the bacteria of the Red Oak borers adapted and grew along with the tester strains. Further investigation could lead to the development of an antibiotic using Quorum signaling to create a Quorum quenching mechanism.
Keywords
Antibacterial; Enaphalodes rufulus; Red Oak Borer; Kirby-Brauer Disc Diffusion method; cross-streaking method.