Category
Basic
Description
This study aims to investigate how the antimicrobial properties of pure honey and spotted lanternfly contaminated honey differ. The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive species that has been in the U.S. since 2014. This species has wreaked havoc on many different industries, such as the agricultural and tobacco industries. However, the relationship between the lanternfly and the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) has not been researched. One facet of their relationship shows that honey bees will use lanternfly secretions called honeydew to make honey. Honey possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities due to the antimicrobial peptides present within honey bee saliva that is incorporated into the honey. Preliminary research shows that honey contaminated with honeydew may possess different antimicrobial properties than regular honey, thus, we hypothesize that the antimicrobial properties between the two will differ, which could affect use of these products. To perform this study, four different strains of bacteria, including E. coli, S. aureus, B. thuringiensis, and S. pneumonia will be cultured on agar plates to test the effect of normal honey, honeydew honey, a control, and a known antibiotic on their growth. The effectivity of each will be measured by the zone of inhibition present. Results will be statistically analyzed using an ANOVA followed by Tukey’s Multiple Comparisons Test. If our hypothesis is supported, it will provide doctors as well as the public with useful information regarding the use of honey as medicine.
Exploring the Antimicrobial Properties of Spotted Lanternfly Contaminated Honey
Basic
This study aims to investigate how the antimicrobial properties of pure honey and spotted lanternfly contaminated honey differ. The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive species that has been in the U.S. since 2014. This species has wreaked havoc on many different industries, such as the agricultural and tobacco industries. However, the relationship between the lanternfly and the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) has not been researched. One facet of their relationship shows that honey bees will use lanternfly secretions called honeydew to make honey. Honey possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities due to the antimicrobial peptides present within honey bee saliva that is incorporated into the honey. Preliminary research shows that honey contaminated with honeydew may possess different antimicrobial properties than regular honey, thus, we hypothesize that the antimicrobial properties between the two will differ, which could affect use of these products. To perform this study, four different strains of bacteria, including E. coli, S. aureus, B. thuringiensis, and S. pneumonia will be cultured on agar plates to test the effect of normal honey, honeydew honey, a control, and a known antibiotic on their growth. The effectivity of each will be measured by the zone of inhibition present. Results will be statistically analyzed using an ANOVA followed by Tukey’s Multiple Comparisons Test. If our hypothesis is supported, it will provide doctors as well as the public with useful information regarding the use of honey as medicine.
