Utilization Of Dragon Fruit Peel as Microbial Growth Media and Determining Its Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Their is increase in dragon fruit peel waste and hence in organic waste. This study introduces the use of dragon fruit peel as microbial growth medium and as means of reducing the buildup of organic waste. Based on proximate study of total sugar content, the ideal DFP media is - 29.5 gram DFP powder suspended in 1 liter distilled water. After 18 hours of incubation at 37°C on DFP agar media, colonies of 5 bacteria and 2 fungus are observed to determine their viability. The growth of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum shows comparable result. This finding is corroborated by measuring growth curve at optical density of 600 nm in DFP broth over a 48-hour period at 37°C temperature. The present DFP agar is still lacking in providing suitable growth nutrients for Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia as it presents lesser growth.
The main effect of diabetes is diabetic foot as it runs a higher risk of mortality or amputation. The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether red dragon fruit peel has any antibacterial properties against the bacteria that cause diabetic ulcers. Red dragon fruit extract was prepared. Streptomycin, chloramphenicol and amoxicillin are used as controls. Zone of inhibition is observed in Pseudomonas aerugenosa, Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus, which proves red dragon fruit peel to be a good antimicrobial agent.