Chapter 15. Bioassays on Microorganisms: Antifungal and antibacterial activities

SGARIGLIA, M. A.; SOBERÓN, J. R.; SAMPIETRO, D. A.; QUIROGA, E. N.; VATTUONE, M. A.

Isolation, Identification and Characterization of allelochemicals/Natural Products

Science Publishers Inc.

Lugar: Einfield, New Hampshire, USA.; Año: 2009; p. 429 - 458

Microorganisms are a wide and heterogeneous group of living organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. They are everywhere in nature and have a deep impact on the biosphere. Most microorganisms are beneficial or have no apparent effect on their hosts. Nevertheless, the few pathogenic species found are very harmful for humans, plants and animals and generate important economical loses in human activities. Compounds that kill or inhibit the growth of these pathogenic microorganisms are known as antimicrobials. The search for substances with selective antimicrobial activity, without toxic effects on animals, plants and beneficial organisms is of important concern in natural products research. This chapter provides assays to measure antimicrobial activity of natural products. Assays are based on diffusion and dilution methods. Some are adequate for work with bacteria and yeasts, while others only are suitable for work with moulds.