ADDRESSING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE: ALOE VERA’S POTENTIAL FOR BACTERIAL INHIBITION AND DERMAL FIBROBLAST PROLIFERATION

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance has been an emerging global issue over the last several decades. Acquired resistance renders antimicrobial agents useless, with a recent report projecting ten million deaths by 2050 caused by drug-resistant infections. In response, research output on biomedical and public health solutions to AMR has significantly increased, including investigations on active compounds in medicinal plants. Aloe vera is known for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cell proliferative properties stemming from its anthraquinones, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. In this review, Team Aloesporin applied qualitative and quantitative techniques to characterize the state of AMR awareness and discuss Aloe vera’s capacity for serving as an antimicrobial, wound-healing agent. First, a public opinion survey was distributed at the University of Maryland, College Park to assess community knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and related practices. Aloe vera’s potency was then investigated through a minimum inhibitory concentration assay with Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Lastly, a cell proliferation assay was designed for dermal fibroblasts with 2.5% w/v Aloe vera, 100 nM methylene blue, and 100 nM bacitracin-supplemented media. Though the public opinions survey provided insight into the gaps in knowledge surrounding antimicrobial resistance and consumer practices, the preliminary bacterial and dermal fibroblast assays yielded inconclusive results regarding Aloe vera’s respective antibacterial and proliferative effects. This research suggests a need for further investigation of the optimal state and concentration of Aloe vera for wound-healing and effective antimicrobial stewardship to address the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance.