Wasp nest construction and their antimicrobial properties study
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Study of the construction nests of different wasp species and its antimicrobial activities
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:
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Dr. Vidya V. Bhoyar, Afreen Fatema R. K., Sayema Khamar, Saniya Khanam S. K.
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World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Study of the construction nests of different wasp species and its antimicrobial activities
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202322-30192
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
In response to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, researchers are exploring alternative sources for antimicrobial agents. This study focuses on the antimicrobial properties of wasp nests, collecting samples from different environments, such as residential areas and college campuses in Nanded, Maharashtra, India. The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of extracts from these nests against various pathogenic bacteria, with the overarching goal of potentially discovering novel antimicrobial substances.
Nest Construction and Types
Wasp nests are primarily categorized into two types: mud nests and paper nests. The study highlights the differences in construction styles and strategies used by various wasp species. Primitive social wasps, such as those in the genus Polistes, construct simple nests consisting of a few brood cells, while advanced social wasps (Vespula and Vespa) build more complex structures with multiple interconnected chambers. Additionally, mud nests are primarily made of earth materials and are often underpopulated, while paper wasps create nests using plant fibers mixed with saliva. The contrasting designs and construction techniques showcase the ecological diversity within wasp species.
Antimicrobial Activity of Wasp Nest Extracts
The study employed the disc diffusion method to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the wasp nest extracts against five pathogenic bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. The results illustrated that the extracts from the new solitary potter wasp exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity, particularly against B. cereus. Furthermore, paper wasp extracts showed significant antimicrobial effectiveness against multiple strains, including Proteus and S. typhi. This highlights the potential of these extracts as sources of new antimicrobial agents.
Comparative Efficacy of Different Wasp Nests
A comparative analysis revealed that colonial wasp nests, which are constructed by multiple workers, exhibited greater antimicrobial activity than solitary wasp nests. This difference may be attributed to the collective construction efforts of worker wasps in colonial species, leading to more complex and potentially more effective antimicrobial defenses. Solitary wasp nests, reliant on the secretions of a single wasp, displayed lower antimicrobial efficacy, suggesting that social wasps may have evolved more sophisticated means for protecting their colonies against pathogens.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the importance of wasp nests as potential reservoirs of antimicrobial compounds. The enhanced antimicrobial activity observed in extracts from colonial wasp nests suggests that these nests could serve as valuable sources for the development of novel antibiotics. As antibiotic resistance continues to rise, exploring unconventional sources like wasp nest extracts may offer new pathways for addressing infectious diseases and contribute to the search for effective antimicrobial treatments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main objective of the wasp nest study?
The main objective was to explore novel antibiotic-producing substances from wasp nests, particularly due to the rising issue of antibiotic resistance.
How were the wasp nests collected for the research?
Wasp nests were collected from residential areas and a college campus, then thoroughly washed, stored, and prepared for antimicrobial activity testing.
What method was used to test the antimicrobial activity of the extracts?
The agar disc diffusion method was employed to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of the wasp nest extracts against specific bacterial strains.
Which bacterial strain showed the highest susceptibility to the wasp nest extract?
Bacillus cereus demonstrated the highest susceptibility to the wasp nest extract, indicating notable antimicrobial potential in the study.
What types of wasp nests were studied in this research?
The study focused on two types of nests: mud nests and paper nests, constructed by different species of wasps.
What conclusion was drawn about solitary and colonial wasp nests?
Colonial wasp nests demonstrated greater antimicrobial activity than solitary nests, likely due to the collective construction by multiple worker wasps.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Wasp nest construction and their antimicrobial properties study”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
In the context of the study, 'activity' refers to the antimicrobial efficacy observed in the wasp nest extracts against certain bacterial strains. This is crucial for understanding the potential of these extracts in combating microbial resistance and discovering new antibacterial agents, making it a significant aspect of the research findings.
2) Potter:
'Potter' denotes a type of solitary wasp known for building mud nests. The research highlights the specific behaviors, habitats, and nest construction methods of potter wasps, which provide insights into their ecological roles and the antimicrobial properties associated with their nests, essential for the study's objectives.
3) Science (Scientific):
The word 'science' indicates the systematic study and investigation into natural phenomena. In this research, it underscores the methodological approaches employed in studying wasp nest structures and their antimicrobials, emphasizing the scientific framework that guides the analysis of ecological interactions and biochemical properties.
4) Study (Studying):
'Study' signifies a detailed examination of wasp species and their nests, focusing on antimicrobial activities. It reflects the comprehensive research effort undertaken to explore the significance of wasp nest extracts, aiming to expand knowledge in entomology and microbiology, which is foundational to the project's goals.
5) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The word 'antibiotics' points to a class of antimicrobial agents crucial for treating infections. The study investigates alternative sources of antibiotics from natural products, reflecting the urgent need to discover new antimicrobial agents as resistance to conventional antibiotics continues to rise in various bacterial populations.
6) Species:
'Species' identifies distinct classifications of organisms studied, namely different types of wasps. Understanding species diversity is essential for this research as it helps delineate the ecological role each species plays and the unique properties of their nests, enabling targeted exploration of antimicrobials.
7) Aureus:
'Aureus' refers specifically to 'Staphylococcus aureus,' a Gram-positive bacterium tested in the study. Its relevance lies in its notorious role as a pathogen capable of causing various infections, making it critical to assess how wasp nest extracts can potentially combat such resilient bacterial strains.
8) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is a state in India where the research was conducted. Its geographical and ecological context is pertinent because it provides a specific habitat for the studied wasp species, highlighting regional biodiversity and the potential of local natural resources for antimicrobial discoveries.
9) Summer:
'Summer' signifies the seasonal context during which certain wasp species build their nests. Understanding seasonal behaviors is crucial for the study, as it dictates the life cycle, nesting patterns, and interactions of these insects, thus informing the timing of sample collection for research.
10) India:
India is significant as the broader geographical and cultural context for the research, indicating the diversity of species and ecological conditions present. The findings may have local implications for biodiversity conservation, traditional medicine, and public health initiatives in combating bacterial infections.
11) Observation:
'Observation' is an essential part of the scientific methodology employed in the study. It emphasizes the importance of meticulously documenting nest construction behavior and antimicrobial reactions, which are pivotal for validating hypotheses and understanding the broader ecological and medical significance of the research.
12) Commerce:
'Commerce' relates to trade and economic activities. In this context, it highlights the potential commercialization of wasp nest extracts as antimicrobial substances, suggesting that the findings could lead to innovative products in the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the intersection between science and economic viability.
13) Surface:
'Surface' refers to the top layer of the agar plates used in the antimicrobial assays. It is relevant in describing where the wasp extract was applied, which affects the diffusion of antimicrobial agents and the subsequent observation of inhibition zones in the study's methodology.
14) Family:
'Family' in this context pertains to the taxonomic grouping of wasps within the larger classification system. Recognizing the family helps in understanding the shared characteristics and ecological roles of the species being studied and their potential for producing antimicrobial compounds.
15) Vidya:
'Vidya' refers to Dr. Vidya V. Bhoyar, the research supervisor. The name emphasizes the individual's role in guiding the study, lending credibility to the research, and showcasing the importance of academic mentorship in conducting and analyzing scientific investigations.
16) Campu:
'Campu' appears to be a typographical error for 'Campus.' Its intended reference emphasizes the specific location (N.E.S. Science College Campus) where some samples were collected, highlighting the importance of local environmental factors on the collection process and subsequent research findings.
17) Water:
'Water' is a crucial element, as it pertains to the habitats of mud wasps. Understanding the association of wasps with water sources can reveal ecological relationships, influencing nest construction and the microbial environment associated with the nests, which is pertinent to the study's focus.
18) House:
'House' relates to the human-made environments where the wasps were observed. This association underscores the interaction between human habitats and wasp nesting behaviors, providing insights into the ecological dynamics and the potential for human-wasp coexistence and their applications for pest management.
19) Substance:
'Substance' signifies the various extracts derived from the wasp nests in this study. This term underscores the focus on identifying and utilizing chemical compounds within the nests that exhibit antimicrobial properties, which could lead to the development of new antimicrobial agents for medicinal use.
20) Disease:
Reiterating the importance of health, 'disease' stresses the negative impact of microbial pathogens such as those studied. Addressing disease underscores the relevance of finding effective antimicrobial treatments through natural products, showcasing the significance of the research in a broader health context.
21) Autumn:
'Autumn' pertains to the seasonal changes affecting wasp behavior and colony dynamics. Understanding seasonal patterns is relevant for interpreting the lifecycle of wasps and their nesting behaviors, which is crucial for planning the methodology of sample collection and studying seasonal microbial interactions.
22) Cotton:
'Cotton' likely refers to sterile cotton used in the methodology for inoculating bacterial strains. Its relevance lies in establishing a clean procedural environment, crucial for obtaining reliable test results in antimicrobial assessments, reflecting good laboratory practices.
23) Bagh:
'Bagh' likely refers to 'Sameera Bagh,' the specific location where some wasp nests were collected. Its significance lies in being part of the study's geographical context, highlighting local biodiversity and habitat details, which can affect the presence and effectiveness of antimicrobial substances in wasp nests.
24) Tree:
'Tree' refers to the natural habitats utilized by some wasp species for nesting. Understanding the ecological role of trees in providing resources and microhabitats is relevant for the study, as it addresses the interactions between the wasps, their nesting behaviors, and environmental sustainability.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Wasp nest construction and their antimicrobial properties study’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Study conclusion, Antimicrobial activity, Pathogenic bacteria, Biological Activity, Antibiotic resistance, Agar disc diffusion method, Inhibition zone, Bacterial strain, Gram negative strain, Gram positive strain, World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Residential area, Native species, Extraction solution, Research supervisor.