Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Vaccinium floribundum (Mortiño) Extract from Cotopaxi Province in Urinary Tract Infections (Phase 3)

This research project, led by the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum) extract from the Cotopaxi province. The study addresses the issue of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the growing bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics, proposing an alternative based on natural products. The methodology includes fruit collection, obtaining fluid extracts via percolation, isolating phenolic compounds (specifically anthocyanins such as cyanidin and delphinidin), and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration against strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. The approach is multidisciplinary, integrating biotechnology and pharmacy. The results are expected to contribute to the development of new natural pharmaceutical forms, offering an effective therapeutic alternative. The project directly benefits local farmers and patients, promoting technological innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and strengthening scientific research in renewable natural resources.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>Separate and determine the concentration of anthocyanins (cyanidin and delphinidin) in mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum) and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against pathogens causing urinary tract infections.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources