Zingerone-Ampicillin Combination for Inhibition of Staphylococcus Epidermidis

Overview

Infections caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) often require medical treatment, and S. epidermidis is resistant to many antibiotics. This study explored the impact of zingerone (ZGR), a natural compound with antibacterial properties, combined with ampicillin (Amp), a common antibiotic, at varying concentrations on the inhibition of S. epidermidis. This study hypothesized that ZGR combined with Amp would significantly increase inhibition of S. epidermidis compared to positive controls. Diffusion assays were performed to determine zones of inhibition of S. epidermidis for varying concentrations of ZGR and Amp dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). There was greater inhibition of S. epidermidis versus the positive control Amp alone in three conditions where ZGR was combined with Amp. The ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference across all conditions for inhibition of S. epidermidis (p=0.0000000226). T-tests showed statistically significant differences in two conditions where ZGR was combined with Amp (p=0.000448016 and p=0.001895316). This experiment does not fully support the alternate hypothesis, that ZGR combined with Amp would have a significant increased inhibition of S. epidermidis compared to positive control Amp alone in all conditions studied. Further studies that examine the effect of ZGR on other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus may be beneficial.

Competition history

• AJAS 2025 Category not listed

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