Goodbye Antibiotics!
By Javeria Ali
Junior Category (Grades 7-8)
Study | Biology
Antibiotics are used to fight microorganisms (Bacteria) and can have bad side effects. Frequent or improper use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. In my project, I exposed bacteria to natural substances. The purpose of my project is to find out if there is a natural substance that can be used to kill bacteria instead of synthetic antibiotics. I used five natural substances, which were: Garlic, Ginger, Honey, Cinnamon, and Oregano Oil. I did two trials in which I used filter paper discs soaked with these substances against bacterial growth on Agar Petri Dishes. I monitored bacterial growth for seven days in each Petri Dish counted each colony as a Colony Forming Unit (CFU). In both trials, I also used a control Petri Dish, in which bacterial growth was not exposed to anything. In my second trial, I used a broad-spectrum antibiotic called Amoxicillin. I also did a zone of inhibition test, in which I measured the distance between the filter paper disc to the first closest CFU. After doing two trials and measuring the zone of inhibition for three days, I came to the conclusion that Oregano oil was the best in killing bacteria, followed by cinnamon and then the antibiotic. I decided to make gummies for oregano oil and cinnamon, as they were in the top three. I researched and found out the doses for different age groups, and how many gummies they should eat daily.
