Prospecting for Antimicrobial Natural Products in Bacteria Isolated from Soil Using the iChip Technique

• Grant number: 23/18334-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Mônica Tallarico Pupo
• Grantee: João Pedro Pinto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The search for new antimicrobial compounds has become increasingly important for the therapeutic arsenal due to the increase of resistant microorganisms. Soil, in particular Brazilian soil, represents a promising and little explored source of microorganisms that produce these compounds. Therefore, the present project proposes the chemical analysis of two bacterial strains, isolated from the soil of the transition region between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, using a modern technique named iCHIP. These strains were selected for their proven in vitro activity against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Through the combination of microbiological techniques and chemical analysis, this project offers to the candidate a comprehensive experience in the area of microbial natural products, in addition to promoting the improvement of critical thinking. Furthermore, the project is expected to generate unprecedented data through the isolation of bioactive compounds not yet described in the literature, potentially contributing to the resolution of a public health issue that affects society as a whole.