Developing a Robust Protocol for the Isolation of Novel B. Subtilis Bacteriophages

Authors

Johnson Phung, Belmont UniversityFollow
Rebecca Adams PhD, Belmont UniversityFollow

Publication Date

2023

College

Sciences and Mathematics, College of

Department

Biology, Department of

BURS Faculty Advisor

Dr. Rebecca Adams

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria cells. Bacteria, being the most abundant form of life on the planet, have an estimated ten to a hundred different types of bacteriophages that infect each species. Bacteriophages are everywhere on Earth, but the number of phages that have been identified is only a fraction of what are thought to exist. This project focuses on isolating and identifying phages that infect the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. B subtilis is a decomposition microbe commonly found in the soil. Therefore, our initial goal was to successfully isolate new B. subtilis bacteriophages from the soil. To that end, we have successfully isolated two novel phages, as determined by PCR analysis. The second goal of this project is to develop a robust protocol for the isolation of phages. We have determined that calcium ion concentration is likely an important component when enriching phages, and current analysis is being performed to test this.

Recommended Citation

Phung, Johnson and Adams, Rebecca PhD, "Developing a Robust Protocol for the Isolation of Novel B. Subtilis Bacteriophages" (2023). Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS). 266.
https://repository.belmont.edu/burs/266