Research Projects

Scabies, a common and neglected skin infection caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is a major health problem in developing countries. Multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the major microorganism contributing to secondary bacterial infections associated with scabies by forming biofilms. Resistance to various antimicrobial agents has become a challenge. The mecA gene is important for making MRSA resistant to non-antibiotic drugs, ?-lactam and non-?-lactam antibiotics, and various natural or synthetic compounds. The spdC gene, a global regulator of virulence, is closely associated with virulence, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance properties against different antimicrobials. Argemone mexicana, a widely distributed plant in India, is traditionally used for ophthalmia, scabies, and cutaneous infections. Extracts prepared with Argemone mexicana roots are effective against several bacteria, but their extracts have not been explored for biomedicinal applications. The proposed study aims to develop a Polymer/AgNPs composite film using Argemone Mexicana roots extract against virulence expression, antibiotic resistance properties, and biofilm formation of MRSA isolates from scabies. The study will also explore the synthesis of AgNPs in a green method using Argemone Mexicana roots extracts. Antimicrobial, antioxidant activity, and biodegradability and in vitro cell cytotoxicity of the films will be studied.