Synergistic effects of combination antibiotics on E. coli biofilms
University of Washington, Mougous Lab · Jun 2025 - Present · Mentor: Dr. Sarah Kim
Abstract
Investigated whether sub-inhibitory combinations of ampicillin and tetracycline disrupt biofilm formation more effectively than either antibiotic alone.
Methods
Grew E. coli biofilms in 96-well plates, treated with antibiotic combinations, and quantified biomass with crystal violet staining across 240 samples.
Results
Combination treatment reduced biofilm biomass 38% more than the best single antibiotic at equivalent total dose.
Proof card
What I did: Ran biofilm assays, analyzed crystal violet staining results, and summarized the findings for a science fair submission.
Why it matters: The work connects lab technique with a public health problem that research programs understand quickly.
Impact: Combination treatment reduced biofilm biomass 38% more than the strongest single-antibiotic condition.
Made with ProofPage