Biofilms are communities of bacteria that grow on surfaces and are encased in an extracellular matrix and are problematic due to their resistance to antibiotics. Cranberries have been found to have associated health benefits such as prevention of recurrent UTIs. Cranberry juice contains anthocyanidins, flavanol glycosides, phenolic acids and proanthocyanidins (PACs). Previous studies have presented evidence that the A-linked PACs found in the American cranberry have an impact on biofilms, however very few studies have evaluated the effects of only anthocyanidins. We used a 96 well assay to compare the effects of PACs, anthocyanidins, and crude extracts on S. aureus and E. coli. Our results confirm that PACs and crude have an effect on biofilm development, and anthocyanidins show promise.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Duffty, Catherine Nyssa
• Chelius, Cynthia Louise

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-041913-153923

Advisor

• Camesano, Terri Anne

Year

• 2013

Date created

• 2013-04-19

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright