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Thesis
Evaluating Antimicrobial Activities Of Novel Benzo[B]Thiophene Against Pathogenic Fungi And Gram-Negative Bacteria
University of West Florida Libraries
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2025
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a critical global health challenge, particularlywith the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) fungal pathogens and Gram-negative bacteria.
Infections caused by resistant organisms, such as Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are increasingly difficult to treat, leading to higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Recognizing this crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have classified MDR pathogens as priority threats, underscoring the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. This research investigates the antimicrobial potential of 30 synthesized novel benzo[b]thiophene derivatives against fungal pathogens and Gram-negative bacteria. The compounds were evaluated for their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal/bactericidal concentrations (MFC/MBC). Several derivatives exhibited promising antifungal activity, with MIC values ranging from 32 to 64 µg/mL, and effectively inhibited both growth and hyphal development of Candida species, as confirmed via oCelloScope imaging. Against Gram-negative bacteria, the compounds demonstrated limited activity while tested alone. However, co-administration with polymyxin B (PMB), an outer membrane-permeabilizing agent, markedly improved antibacterial efficacy. Some derivatives showed substantial activity against E. coli, with MICs between 8–64 µg/mL in the presence of PMB, comparable to ampicillin. Pseudomonas aeruginosa remained largely resistant, likely due to strong efflux and permeability barriers. Cytotoxicity assays using HEK293 cells revealed moderate toxicity at active concentrations. Our findings establish benzo[b]thiophene derivatives as promising antimicrobial candidates and contribute to ongoing efforts to combat resistant infections through novel therapeutic strategies.
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Evaluating Antimicrobial Activities Of Novel Benzo[B]Thiophene Against Pathogenic Fungi And Gram-Negative Bacteria1.23 MB
Preprint Thesis pdf Embargoed Access, Embargo ends: 11/04/2026
Details
- Title
- Evaluating Antimicrobial Activities Of Novel Benzo[B]Thiophene Against Pathogenic Fungi And Gram-Negative Bacteria
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Contributors
- Prerna J Masih (Committee Chair)Peter J Cavnar (Committee Member)Tabithia TR Ross (Committee Member)
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 79
- Copyright
- Permission granted to the University of West Florida Libraries by the author to digitize and/or display this information for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires the permission of the copyright holder.
- Identifiers
- 99381469453506600
- Academic Unit
- Biology
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida