The evaluation of supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles as novel anti-biofilm compounds
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Date
2023
Authors
Steyn, Hendrik Jacobus Frederik
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
The ability of naturally occurring substances to inhibit bacterial growth has proven to be one of mankind's cornerstone discoveries (Fleming 1929; Whitehead 1933). The potential of these substances
was highlighted when Alexander Fleming noticed the inhibition and lysis of Staphylococcus colonies
when cultured in the presence of ascomycetous fungus of the genus Penicillium (Fleming 1929). The
ability of Penicillium to inhibit bacterial growth was attributed to the production of a substance termed
penicillin (Fleming 1929). A characteristic property of antibacterial substances is their selective action;
some substances are effective against either Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria and in some
instances, both (Waksman 1944). When considering that these substances differ in chemical composition, it is evident that the selective
action of antibacterial substances directly relates to their mechanism of action. Additionally, the
qualitative characteristic of varying concentrations directly influences the substance's efficacy. It is
established that higher concentrations of antibacterial substances result in exaggerated inhibition
(Waksman 1944). From these findings, the use and application of antibiotic substances have enabled
the treatment of various bacterial infections and revolutionised the healthcare industry (Espinel-Ingroff
2003; Tomson and Vlad 2014). The discovery and application of antibacterial substances promoted the search for antifungal
substances (Espinel-Ingroff 1997). The efforts of Elizabeth Hazen and Rachel Brown lead to the
discovery of an antifungal substance produced by soil actinomycetes. The substance termed fungicidin
or nystatin indicated fungistatic and fungicidal activity (Hazen and Brown 1951). From these findings,
other cultures were screened for antifungal substances and inhibitory potential. In 1953, Steinberg and
co-workers identified and isolated the antifungal substances amphotericin A and B from a
Streptomycete culture (Steinberg et al. 1953, Dutcher 1968). A report by Milton Sloane supported the efficacy of antifungal substances when used in the treatment of candidiasis; proving the use of nystatin
to be effective (Sloane 1955).
Description
Dissertation (M.Sc.(Microbiology))--University of the Free State, 2023