Isolation of Microorganisms Capable of Producing Antibiotics, from Soils of the Natural Regions of Ecuador (Coast, Sierra, Oriente, and Galápagos Islands) (PHASE 3)

This project focuses on the discovery and characterization of novel antibiotics produced by microorganisms isolated from soil samples, addressing the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. The initial methodology involves isolating microorganisms via inoculation on Nutrient Agar, followed by the rigorous selection of those capable of inhibiting the growth of sensitive strains like *Bacillus subtilis* or *Pseudomonas*, evidenced by inhibition halos. Selected strains undergo taxonomic identification, including Gram staining, endospore staining, and, for Gram-positive spore-formers, the use of the IDENT-BACILLUS kit alongside detailed biochemical tests (Catalase, Voges Proskauer, acid production, etc.). Finally, antibiotic production is quantified by culturing the microorganism in liquid media and analyzing its supernatant using an antibiogram compared against reference standards (Pen G). The spectrum of activity is determined by testing the antibiotic's efficacy against a variety of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and yeast microorganisms. Subsequent phases include structural elucidation of the antibiotics using advanced spectroscopic techniques.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>The main objective of this project is to isolate microorganisms from soil samples that possess the capability to produce antibiotic compounds, followed by the identification of the producing strains and the estimation of the quantity and spectrum of activity of the generated antibiotics.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources