Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Good afternoon!
I am Minerva, a Grade 11 student from the Philippines. Our task this school year is to come up with our own researches. My group's research is all about using Moringa oleifera leaf and seed extract as an antibacterial facial serum to naturally control the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis found on the skin. We're thinking about using Mannitol Salt agar for culturing the bacteria. Do you have any thoughts about it or other agar recommendations? Also, what method is better in testing the antibacterial activity of the leaf and seed extracts against S. epidermidis: disk diffusion or agar well diffusion method?

Thank you!

Hi Minerva,

Sorry that nobody has answered your question so far, but I will see what I can do to help you.

Mannitol salt agar is the medium of choice for diagnostic tests of s. epidermidis (http://faculty.ccbcmd.edu/courses/bio14 ... msase.html) but I am sure that the bacteria will also grow on plain old nutrient agar or LB agar.

I prefer to use the disk diffusion method for testing an antibiotic because it is simple and effective.

Post again with more questions and we will try to answer quicker.

Sybee