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Synergistic Antimicrobial Properties of Capsicum annuum Extract

CSEF · 2026 Microbiology (Senior Division)

Alexis Thant

Overview

The rising global health concern of bacteria becoming “resistant” to antibiotics is necessitating the discovery of new compounds to restore the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. This project investigated whether compounds in Capsicum annuum (Fresno chile) could enhance the antibacterial effects of Ampicillin and Neomycin against E. coli K-12—an example of an antibiotic-resistant bacteria—testing the hypothesis that a synergistic interaction would occur. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test was used to test Fresno chile extract individually and in combination with antibiotic discs to measure resulting Zones of Inhibition (ZOI), areas where bacteria could not grow. The data collected supported the hypothesis; while the chile extract alone showed insignificant antimicrobial activity (had a mean ZOI of 10.5 mm), it produced significant synergistic effects, which meant that it enhanced the overall effectiveness of the antibiotics. The Ampicillin and Fresno chile (AF) group demonstrated the highest efficacy with a mean ZOI of 35.0 mm, even outperforming Ampicillin alone (mean ZOI of 28.5 mm). Similarly, the Neomycin and Fresno chile (NF) group also showed an increased mean of 18.0 mm compared to a mean ZOI of 15.5 mm for Neomycin alone. This project demonstrates that Fresno chile extract does contain natural compounds that can act as effective antimicrobial agents. This research can lead to an agriculture-based pathway to combat drug-resistant pathogens, lowering death rates from antibiotic-resistant bacteria and reducing antibiotic toxicity in patients.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Microbiology (Senior Division) · Entry S-16-03

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