Investigation of antimicrobial effects of anemone venom components

Project description

Bacterial biofilms are a source of significant health risk in hospitals and to the food industry. There is a strong need for new agents to help to control biofilm formation. Sea anemone or flower of the sea is in the phylum Cnidaria, class Anthozoa, order Actiniaria. It is one of the most venomous animals on earth and there are approximately 12,000 sea anemone species, classified into 46 families. They are found in all depths and altitudes of marine habitats. Sea anemones are also considered as predatory animals. They use venom in order to defend against predators and to capture prey. Venoms are recognized as the most important aspect of a sea anemone for its survival in the marine environment and its ability to adapt to the changes in their habitats. Antibacterial activity has been reported for crude venom extracts from anenomes. The aim of this project is to screen venom from Entamae quadricolor, known as the bubble-tip anemone, for antimicrobial activity in particular the ability to disrupt or destroy biofilms.

Co-supervisors

Professor Melissa Brown https://researchnow.flinders.edu.au/en/persons/melissa-brown-2

Further information

There may be a scholarship involved with this project.

Assumed knowledge

Basic Microbiology, Molecular Biology

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You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.