Dheiksha Jayasankar

Wound infections are a rising global health concern, and with the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the risks of wound infections are increasing. Hydrogel films have been used to treat wound infections, due to their “artificial skin” like characteristics. Previous years of this research discovered the antibacterial properties of A.muricata (soursop) leaves and identified Smiglaside-C to be the bioactive compound. This research investigates the use of High-Pressure Extraction (HPE) to extract Smiglaside-C. Further, this study investigated the mode-of-action of Smiglaside-C using phase-contrast microscopy. Finally, this study developed a hydrogel film containing Smiglaside-C. Using bacterial assays, this study discovered that HPE was an effective method in extracting Smiglaside-C. Hydrogel films were developed using a mixture of low-methoxyl pectin (LMP), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and gelatin; Colony Forming Unit assays determined that Smiglaside-C treated films were effective against bacterial strains. Phase-contrast microscopy determined that Smiglaside-C stops the growth of bacterial colonies.
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