Difference between revisions of "Team:Stony Brook/HP/Gold Integrated"

Integrated Human Practices

Our team met with Dr. Sharon Nachman, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Stony Brook Hospital, to discuss our project idea and gain insight into how we could improve it. When we discussed our method of killing Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using a hybrid of the bacteriocins Lacticin Z and Aureocin A53 (or Epidermicin NI01), she advised us to test against Staphylococcus aureus as well to demonstrate that our hybrids would be effective against more than one strain. Although the bacteriocins are believed to be specific in combatting only one type of bacteria, there could be possible exceptions that could allow the hybrids to tackle multiple strains. Additionally, we discussed how the bacteriocins hybrids could be incorporated into certain treatment methods. Dr. Nachman informed us the project could have a real-life application by creating a lotion for foam wrestling mats or a spray for counters. The vast majority of our project was developed theoretically, but this was one way to establish a direct use for it that would allow other people to benefit as well.

Not only did we reach out to Dr. Nachman for advising but we also reached out to a few researchers and professors at Stony Brook University. As it came time to purify our proteins, we researched the benefits of different purification protocols. Then we enlisted the help of Dr. Jarrod French, a researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at Stony Brook University, who guided us on what purification protocol to follow. He recommended our use of a Ni-NTA column for our Histidine-Tagged proteins. After not as much success as we hoped for, we reached out to Dr. Steven Glynn, a researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Stony Brook University. He advised us to use a Sonicator for lysing our cells. Beforehand we were using a freeze-thaw method to lyse the cells but found it was not as successful or time efficient. Dr. Glynn also lent us his sonicator and cold room to perform our protein purification. The insight and generosity of Dr. French and Dr. Glynn helped immensely.

Once it came time to testing our bacteriocins against MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus, Dr. Sangeet Honey, a researcher and professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Stony Brook University, offered us his advice and supplies to help the process go as smoothly as possible. Without his dedication to our team, we would not have been able to complete our testing in a BSL 2 lab.