Department of Science and Technology

Philippine Science High School

Eastern Visayas Campus
Pawing, Palo, Leyte

CHAPTER/s 1-3

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Research 2

and as a team requirement for the
National Science Fair 2011 Competition (NSF)

Submitted by:

Kurt B. Bidua
Leo Jed Sabandal
Nia Grace R. Germinal
 CHAPTER I

Problem and Its Setting

I. Background of the Study

Bacteria are one celled organisms that are constantly evolving. Some bacteria,

such as Escherichia coli, in 25% of such cases, have developed resistance against

Amoxicillin, a Penicillin antibiotic [ CITATION Uni10 \l 1033 ]. Emergence of more and

more multidrug resistant pathogens was reported to be one of the leading causes of

death world-wide. Many infectious microorganisms are resistant to synthetic drugs;

hence an alternative therapy is very much needed [ CITATION Kri08 \l 1033 ].

Due to certain factors, such as the transmission of diseases through airborne or

physical contact, the spread of diseases caused by pathogens can result to high

morbidity. Alternatives of modern medicines have been investigated and have been

proven to exhibit active reactions to microorganisms. These alternatives are the extract

derived from plants or animals which show evidence of either antibacterial or antifungal

activity. However, the active components of most of these alternatives have not yet been

identified.

Researchers have conducted several studies with concern to this growing

problem. One study that focused on the antibacterial activity of Saponin isolated from

the leaves of Solanum trilobatum has shown positive results where in the pure Saponin

extracted from the leaves has exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity [ CITATION
 Ram09 \l 1033 ]. A research has also been conducted concerning the antibacterial and

antistaphylococcal activity from the sea urchin Paracentrotous lividus and the results

have shown significant bacterial inhibition from a peptide fraction of the cytosol from

the coelomecytes [ CITATION DSc09 \l 1033 ].

Since Diadema setosum is one species of phylum Echinodermata, we could test

its anti-pathogenic properties against selected pathogens. With this study, we could

contribute to the growing body of knowledge particularly on antibacterial agents. This

informations lead the researchers in coming up with this study.

Statement of the Problem

Main Problem:

How efficient will the identified Saponin component contained in Diadema

setosum be against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas

auruginosa?

Sub-problems:

1. What would be the result of the Saponin Screening test for the determination of

presence of Saponins in Diadema setosum?

2. How significant is the size of the zone of inhibition caused by the identified Saponin

spot compared to that by Penicillin on the agar plates?

Objectives

General: This study is aimed to test the identified saponin component of Diadema

setosum as an antibacterial agent on bacteria. Specifically,

To determine the presence of Saponins in the sea urchin Diadema setosum;

And to determine the efficiency of the identified Saponin in the inhibition of the

selected species of bacteria in the size of the zone of inhibition in comparison to

the inhibition due to Penicillin;

Significance of the Study

This study is significant:

To the patients that have been infected by some strain of Penicillin resistant

bacteria like some strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

To the pharmaceutical companies that would develop new antibiotics that would

eradicate new Penicillin resistant bacteria.

To the researchers that would use this research paper in conducting their own

related research and use this as a reference for future use.

Scope and Limitations

 The study only focuses on the antibacterial effects of biological active component/s

present in Diadema setosum and the difference between the effects of the biological active

components of the Black Sea Urchin and the effects of Penicillin antibiotics on P. auriginosa, S.

aureus, and E. coli. However, since human and animal testing is discouraged, it will only cover

up to the effects on the bacteria in vitro. The effects of these component/s in the body of an

animal or human will not be tested.

Definition of Terms

Zone of inhibition area on an agar plate where growth of a control organism is prevented by

an antibiotic usually placed on the agar surface and is measured in millimeters (mm).