Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
National Capital Region
Division of City Schools - Manila
Curriculum Implementation Division
Manila Secondary Science Research Advisers’ Association
Manila Robotics Society
Manila Secondary Science Club Advisers’ Association
Division Science and Technology Fair 2024
Problem: The emergence of antibiotic resistance presents a substantial risk to world
health. Pathogens like Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and
Candida albicans (C. albicans) are acquiring resistance to standard antibiotics and
antifungals, resulting in treatment failures. The increasing demand for alternative
medicines has rendered plant-based antimicrobials a viable approach. Lansium
domesticum (Lanzones) peel, frequently regarded as waste, may possess bioactive
chemicals exhibiting antibacterial potential. This study seeks to assess the effectiveness
of Lanzones peel extracts against various infections.
Project Title: Evaluating the Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts from Lanzones
(Lansium Domesticum) Peel Against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and
Candida albicans
PROJECT PROPOSAL
Project Summary: (100-200 words)
This study intends to assess the antibacterial efficacy of Lanzones (Lansium
domesticum) peel extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida
albicans. These pathogens are notable due to their frequent association with infections
and their growing resistance to standard therapies. The research will isolate bioactive
components from Lanzones peels utilizing solvents like as ethanol and methanol. The
extracts will undergo testing for antibacterial activity by disc diffusion and broth
dilution assays to ascertain zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentrations
(MIC). The outcomes will be juxtaposed with conventional antibiotics and antifungals
to evaluate the efficacy of Lanzones peel extracts as natural antibacterial agents. The
initiative seeks to explore plant-based alternatives to aid in the development of novel
medicines for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, offering an environmentally sustainable and
economically viable way to address microbial illnesses.
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Project Background: (200-300 words)
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance has evolved into a worldwide public
health emergency, as several bacteria acquire resistance to standard antibiotics and
antifungal medications. Pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus
aureus (S. aureus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) are progressively developing
resistance to existing therapies, resulting in challenges in the management of bacterial
and fungal infections. Researchers are seeking alternate antimicrobial medicines from
natural sources, particularly plant-derived chemicals, to solve this issue.
Compounds originating from plants have been acknowledged for their
therapeutic qualities for an extended period. Research indicates that numerous plants
exhibit antimicrobial capabilities owing to the presence of bioactive chemicals,
including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins (Cowan, 1999). These
substances can damage microbial cell walls, block enzymes, or interfere with nucleic
acid synthesis, resulting in pathogen inhibition or mortality. Fruit peels, frequently
regarded as waste, have been identified to possess substantial levels of these beneficial
chemicals. Studies on plant peels, including those of citrus and pomegranate, have
demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against diverse bacterial and fungal
strains (Kigondu et al., 2009).
Lanzones (Lansium domesticum), a tropical fruit prevalent in Southeast Asia, has
historically been utilized for its therapeutic attributes; yet the antibacterial efficacy of
its peel remains completely unexamined. Initial research indicates that Lanzones peels
may possess phytochemicals with antibacterial characteristics (Gupta et al., 2017).
Nonetheless, research on their specific efficacy against clinically significant infections
such as E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans is limited. This initiative aims to address the
research gap by examining the antibacterial properties of Lanzones peel extracts,
offering a viable natural alternative for treating drug-resistant infections.
Project Solution: (300-500 words)
The project intends to assess the antibacterial efficacy of extracts from Lanzones
(Lansium domesticum) peel against three therapeutically relevant pathogens:
Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Candida albicans (C.
albicans). The rising resistance of these pathogens to traditional antibiotics and
antifungal therapies renders the discovery of new, effective antimicrobial medicines
essential. Lanzones peel, typically regarded as agricultural waste, possesses bioactive
components including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, which have been
recognized for their antibacterial properties in other plants (Cowan, 1999). This study
will investigate the potential of these molecules as natural substitutes for manufactured
antibacterial agents.
The method emphasizes two primary steps: the extraction of bioactive
components from Lanzones peel utilizing suitable solvents and the assessment of the
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antibacterial activities of these extracts against the specified pathogens via
standardized in vitro methodologies.
1. Extraction of Bioactive Compounds
The initial phase of the solution entails the extraction of bioactive components
from Lanzones peel. Solvent extraction is a recognized technique for isolating
phytochemicals from plant material, utilizing solvents such as ethanol and methanol
in this instance. The selection of these solvents is predicated on their capacity to extract
a wide range of polar and non-polar molecules, hence enhancing the probability of
isolating potent antimicrobial agents. The procedure commences with the desiccation
of the Lanzones peel, subsequently followed by its pulverization into a fine powder. The
powdered peel will undergo extraction by immersion in ethanol and methanol at
regulated temperatures. This will enable the bioactive chemicals to solubilize in the
solvents. Following filtering and solvent evaporation via a rotary evaporator, the crude
extracts will be acquired and readied for antimicrobial assessment.
2. Antimicrobial Evaluation
Upon preparation of the extracts, they will undergo evaluation for antibacterial efficacy
against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans utilizing two main methodologies: the disc
diffusion method and the broth dilution method.
➢ Disc Diffusion Assay: The disc diffusion assay will entail positioning sterile filter
paper discs, infused with varying quantities of Lanzones peel extracts, into agar
plates inoculated with each pathogen. The plates will be incubated, and the
zones of inhibition (the clear areas surrounding the discs where bacterial or
fungal growth is inhibited) will be measured. Expanded zones of inhibition signify
enhanced antibacterial efficacy. The Lanzones peel extracts will be compared to
common antibiotics such as ampicillin for bacterial efficacy and antifungal
medicines like nystatin for fungal efficacy.
➢ Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC): The MIC is the minimal
concentration of an antimicrobial agent necessary to impede the proliferation of
a microorganism. The test will utilize a broth dilution approach, including
different amounts of the peel extracts into liquid culture media containing the
pathogens. The growth will be assessed, and the MIC values for each pathogen
will be established, yielding quantitative data on the efficacy of the extracts.
3. Data Analysis and Possible Applications
The antimicrobial test findings will undergo statistical analysis to ascertain the
relevance of the activity of Lanzones peel extracts. If the extracts successfully inhibit
the tested pathogens, further investigation can be conducted to isolate and identify the
bioactive components responsible for their antimicrobial efficacy.
The project may result in identifying of novel, natural antibacterial compounds
sourced from Lanzones peel. We could transform these chemicals into sustainable,
economical substitutes for traditional antibiotics and antifungal therapies, thereby
tackling the worldwide challenge of antimicrobial resistance. This method offers a
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sustainable alternative by employing agricultural waste, minimizing environmental
effects, and fostering medical innovation.
Procedures: (350 Words)
The assessment of the antimicrobial efficacy of Lanzones (Lansium domesticum)
peel extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans will
encompass multiple systematic procedures, including sample collection, extraction of
bioactive compounds, antimicrobial testing, and data analysis. The procedures are
established to guarantee that the research produces precise, dependable outcomes.
1. Acquisition and Preparation of Lanzones Peels
Fresh Lanzones peels will be sourced from local markets or farms. The peels will
be meticulously cleansed to eliminate any dirt or impurities, thereafter, dried in an oven
at 40-50°C for 2-3 days to extract moisture. Upon drying, the peels will be pulverized
into a fine powder use a blender or mill. This powder will be preserved in sealed
containers at ambient temperature until extraction.
2. Extraction of Bioactive Compounds
Solvent extraction will be employed to extract the bioactive components from the
powdered peels. Ethanol and methanol will be selected for their efficacy in extracting a
wide array of phytochemicals. Each solvent will have 50g of powdered peel immersed
in 500mL for 48-72 hours at ambient temperature, with periodic agitation. After
extraction, the solution will undergo filtration with Whatman filter paper, and the
solvent will be evaporated at decreased pressure utilizing a rotary evaporator. The
resultant crude extracts will be quantified and preserved in sterile containers at 4°C
until analysis.
3. Antimicrobial Evaluation
The antibacterial efficacy of the extracts will be assessed against E. coli, S.
aureus, and C. albicans employing the subsequent methodologies:
➢ Disc Diffusion Assay: The Disc Diffusion Assay involves inoculating agar plates
with bacterial and fungal strains. Sterile discs infused with varying amounts of
Lanzones peel extracts will be positioned on the plates. Following a 24-hour
incubation at 37°C, the zones of inhibition will be assessed to evaluate antibiotic
activity.
➢ Minimum Inhibitory Concentration: The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration
(MIC) will be established with the broth dilution technique. Different
concentrations of the extracts will be introduced to liquid media infected with
the pathogens, and microbial growth will be monitored to determine the
minimum concentration that suppresses growth.
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4. Data Examination
The data from the disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration
tests will undergo statistical analysis to assess the efficacy of the extracts. Outcomes
will be compared with conventional antibiotics and antifungal medicines. This
investigation will assess the efficacy of Lanzones peel extracts as antibacterial agents.
Cost-analysis
This project entails the acquisition of materials, equipment, and services
required to extract and evaluate the antibacterial properties of Lanzones (Lansium
domesticum) peel extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida
albicans. This is a comprehensive analysis of the expenses.
Item Description Estimated Cost (PHP)
1. Sample Collection and Preparation
Fresh Lanzones Peels Acquisition of raw 2,800
supplies from local
marketplaces or farms
Drying Oven (Rental) Expense for drying the 5,600
peels
Grinding Equipment Expense for pulverizing 2,800
(Rental) the peels into powder
Sealed Storage Containers For the storage of 1,680
powdered Lanzones peel
2. Solvent Extraction
Ethanol (500 mL) Solvent for the extraction 4,480
of bioactive chemicals
Methanol (500 mL) Solvent for the extraction 3,920
of bioactive chemicals
Rotary Evaporator (Rental) Expense for the 8,400
concentration of extracts
Filtration Apparatus Whatman filter paper and 2,240
other filtering materials
3. Antimicrobial Testing
Agar Plates For cultivating bacterial 3,360
and fungal cultures
Bacterial Strains (E. coli, Acquisition of 5,600
S. aureus) standardized cultures
Fungal Strain (Candida Acquisition of 4,480
albicans) standardized cultures
Sterile Filter Paper Disks For the disk diffusion 2,240
assay
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Nutrient Broth and Agar Microbial growth media in 2,800
MIC testing
Antibiotics and For comparison in disk 5,600
Antifungals (standards) diffusion and MIC tests
Incubator (Lease) Expense for the upkeep of 6,720
microbial cultures
4. Staff and Miscellaneous
Research Assistant Support for laboratory 16,800
procedures (1 assistant, 1
month)
Statistical Analysis For Result Evaluation 5,600
Software
Miscellaneous Supplies Gloves, pipettes, and 4,480
sterile apparatus
Total Estimated Cost: 89,600
Cost Breakdown
➢ Sample Collection and Preparation: Encompasses the expenses associated
with acquiring fresh Lanzones peels, along with the necessary equipment for
drying, grinding, and storing the samples.
➢ Solvent Extraction: Ethanol and methanol are crucial for the extraction of
bioactive components from the peel. The application of a rotary evaporator for
the concentration of extracts is also incorporated.
➢ Antimicrobial Testing: This includes the acquisition of microbial strains, agar
plates, media, and testing materials for disk diffusion and MIC experiments.
➢ Personnel and Miscellaneous: This encompasses the labor expenses of a
research assistant, and other materials required for executing the tests.
This cost study approximates the overall project expenditure at PHP 89,600,
encompassing all requisite materials, equipment, and manpower.
Timeframe
The experiment to assess the antibacterial efficacy of Lanzones (Lansium
domesticum) peel extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida
albicans will be conducted for six months. The following is a comprehensive chronology
delineating the principal actions and their corresponding durations:
1. Literature Review and Strategic Planning (1 Month)
➢ Perform a comprehensive literature study to guarantee that the research is
grounded in prior studies on natural antimicrobials.
➢ Conclude the study protocols and confirm the acquisition of ethical and
institutional approvals.
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2. Sample Collection and Preparation (1 Month)
➢ Gather fresh Lanzones peels and process them by washing, drying, and grinding
into a powder. Repository for extraction and analysis.
3. Isolation of Bioactive Compounds (1 Month)
➢ Conduct solvent extraction to isolate bioactive components from the peels. Utilize
ethanol and methanol as solvents, thereafter, evaporating to get crude extracts.
4. Phytochemical Analysis (2 Weeks)
➢ Perform qualitative analysis of the extracts to ascertain the presence of
significant antibacterial components such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins.
5. Antimicrobial Evaluation (1.5 Months)
➢ Evaluate the extracts against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans via disk diffusion
and minimum inhibitory concentration assays. Quantify zones of inhibition and
ascertain the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each pathogen.
6. Data Acquisition and Examination (1 Month)
➢ Gather and evaluate the data from the antimicrobial assays. Employ statistical
techniques to evaluate the importance of the findings and juxtapose them with
conventional antibiotics and antifungal medicines.
7. Report Composition and Evaluation (1 Month)
➢ Consolidate the experimental findings into a detailed report. Disseminate the
findings to pertinent parties and prepare for possible publication or presentation
of the results.
The project's entire duration is six months, featuring a planned timeline that
guarantees the methodical and timely completion of each component.
Citation and references:
1. Cowan, M. M. (1999). Plant products as antimicrobial agents. Clinical
Microbiology Reviews, 12(4), 564-582. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.12.4.564
2. Cushnie, T. P., & Lamb, A. J. (2011). Recent advances in understanding the
antibacterial properties of flavonoids. International Journal of Antimicrobial
Agents, 38(2), 99-107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2011.02.014
3. Daglia, M. (2012). Polyphenols as antimicrobial agents. Current Opinion in
Biotechnology, 23(2), 174-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2011.08.007
4. Gupta, A., Gautam, M., Singh, R. K., & Pandey, R. (2017). Lansium domesticum:
A plant with promising ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties. Journal
of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 7(3), 195-202.
https://doi.org/10.7324/JAPS.2017.70331
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5. Kigondu, E. V., Rukunga, G. M., Mungai, G. M., & Kibwage, I. O. (2009).
Screening of selected medicinal plants for antimicrobial activity. Pharmaceutical
Biology, 47(9), 835-840. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880200902989641
6. Murtaza, G., Ahmad, M., & Akhtar, M. (2012). A review on pharmacological
potential of Lansium domesticum: An underutilized plant. Journal of Pharmacy
and Bioallied Sciences, 4(2), 73-76. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-7406.94814
7. Singh, B., Singh, J. P., Kaur, A., & Singh, N. (2020). Bioactive compounds in
banana and their associated health benefits: A review. Food Chemistry, 334,
127509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127509
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