Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :

Preparation of Composite polymer biofilms using roots of Argemone Mexicana to study their role against the virulence expressions of MRSA collected from scabies infection

Area of research :

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Smritikana Biswas, Krishnath College, West Bengal

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2026

Contact info :

Equipments :

Details

Executive Summary :

Scabies, a common and neglected skin infection caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is a major health problem in developing countries. Multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the major microorganism contributing to secondary bacterial infections associated with scabies by forming biofilms. Resistance to various antimicrobial agents has become a challenge. The mecA gene is important for making MRSA resistant to non-antibiotic drugs, ?-lactam and non-?-lactam antibiotics, and various natural or synthetic compounds. The spdC gene, a global regulator of virulence, is closely associated with virulence, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance properties against different antimicrobials. Argemone mexicana, a widely distributed plant in India, is traditionally used for ophthalmia, scabies, and cutaneous infections. Extracts prepared with Argemone mexicana roots are effective against several bacteria, but their extracts have not been explored for biomedicinal applications. The proposed study aims to develop a Polymer/AgNPs composite film using Argemone Mexicana roots extract against virulence expression, antibiotic resistance properties, and biofilm formation of MRSA isolates from scabies. The study will also explore the synthesis of AgNPs in a green method using Argemone Mexicana roots extracts. Antimicrobial, antioxidant activity, and biodegradability and in vitro cell cytotoxicity of the films will be studied.

Co-PI:

Dr. Sounak Dutta, Ananda Mohan College, Kolkata, West Bengal-700009

Total Budget (INR):

22,93,280

Organizations involved