University News

Biology students bag prestigious grant for mushroom-based research

Venice Razen Aguilar, News, PUP Campus Journalists

Three promising Bachelor of Science in Biology students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) have reached a significant milestone as their thesis proposal was chosen as one of the recipients of the highly coveted 2024 Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products for their groundbreaking study project in their Mushroom-Based Antibacterial Research.

Future Scientists in the Spotlight
Spearheaded by Lou Mariane Botona, Rodel Maljacan Jr., and Jorge Torres IV, their research aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity and potential toxicity of the ethanolic extract from the mushroom Auricularia sp. Their thesis proposal, which focuses on assessing the antibacterial activity and possible toxicity of an ethanolic extract from the said fungus, has piqued the interest of the DOST-PCHRD.

This study bolsters the overarching objectives of the Tuklas Lunas Program, a leading forum for encouraging innovation and developing scientific research in the Philippine healthcare industry. It focuses on finding and creating safe, effective, and reasonably priced alternative medications using natural resources.

“As Biology students specializing in Microbiology, we have been exposed to the alarming and highly concerning reality of antibiotic resistance. Studying pathogenic microorganisms firsthand has allowed us to grasp the severity of this issue, as once-treatable infections are now becoming increasingly difficult to manage,” Botona, one of the student grantees, quoted.

The threat posed by antibiotic resistance to reverse decades of advancements in treating infectious illnesses is quickly becoming a worldwide health emergency. Those at the forefront of microbiological research are especially concerned about this trend.

“This growing crisis highlighted the urgent need to explore new antibacterial agents. With that, we turned our focus to natural products known for their bioactive compounds. One such promising source is Auricularia sp., a mushroom with documented medicinal properties but remains underexplored for its antibacterial potential. By investigating its secondary metabolites, we aim to contribute to the ongoing search for alternative treatments that could help combat antibiotic-resistant infections,” she added.

The researchers also acknowledged the profound influence of Dr. Lourdes V. Alvarez, Dean of the College of Science, whose mentorship has been invaluable. Her deep understanding of the subject matter, coupled with her unwavering support, has been a source of inspiration and has significantly enriched the intellectual depth of this endeavor.

A Step Towards Innovative Medicine
The ability of these metabolites to resist bacteremia has far-reaching therapeutic applications. There is a pressing need for innovative therapeutic approaches since existing treatment options for bacteremia sometimes encounter difficulties as a result of rising antibiotic resistance. A fresh method based on Auricularia sp. could provide a crucial substitute for individuals suffering from infections that are resistant to medication.

This study examines an extract from Auricularia sp., obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction, to assess its effectiveness against germs that cause bacteremia. The research aims to contribute to new treatments for bacterial infections, especially given the rise of antimicrobial resistance. It also highlights the Philippines’ potential in medical research by exploring native mushrooms for medical and health development.

According to Maljacan, the study focuses on secondary metabolites from Auricularia sp., which may play a role in future pharmaceutical advancements. Many existing drugs originate from natural compounds with antibacterial properties, making this research a valuable opportunity for drug discovery.

The study also explores other possible health benefits of these extracts, expanding their potential medicinal applications. Ultrasound-assisted extraction offers advantages over traditional methods, such as increased efficiency, shorter extraction times, and potentially higher yields of target compounds. This makes it a more cost-effective and sustainable way to discover natural products.

“In our study, the promising bioactivity of Auricularia sp. metabolites may offer a novel approach to combating bacteremia—a life-threatening infection. Advancing research in this area could lead to significant breakthroughs in treating such infections and saving lives,” Maljacan emphasized.

These metabolites’ ability to combat bacteremia holds significant therapeutic potential. With the increasing challenge of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent demand for innovative treatment strategies. A novel approach utilizing Auricularia sp. may serve as a vital alternative for patients with drug-resistant infections.

Hurdles and Rewards Along the Way
The path to obtaining the DOST-PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant was not without its hurdles. “The biggest challenge we faced while developing our research proposal was the limited time available to craft our proposed study. Initially, this topic was not the original proposal we have presented to our panelists. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to reconfigure our study in a way that still mirrored our original proposal. To do this, we needed to use our vacant time during our OJT duties to write our proposal,” Torres stated.

The unanticipated shift in the subject matter provided a significant hurdle. Having already invested time and effort into their initial proposal, the team now faced the challenge of adapting their research design, literature review, and methodology to a new, albeit related, topic. Working under pressure necessitated a quick reevaluation of the resources and knowledge that were accessible.

“There were countless late-night meetings and proposal revisions that we needed to attend after our OJT shifts just to finish every item in the DOST-PCHRD proposal form. Considering that most groups at that time were starting to do their experiments, we felt that we were lagging behind as we needed to start again from scratch,” he added.

Despite the long hours, continuous revisions, and the sense of falling behind, their passion remained unwavering. They overcame every obstacle and painstakingly fulfilled every DOST-PCHRD proposal criteria because they were united in their enthusiasm for their research and their faith in its possibilities. After much effort, they achieved their goal, proving that their dedication had finally paid off.

Recognition and Pride for PUP
This noteworthy accomplishment by the PUP BS Biology students is a clear indication of the university’s dedication to promoting a culture of excellence and scientific research. It celebrates the students’ devotion and unique research proposal while also highlighting the high-quality education and research possibilities offered at PUP and a reminder that the institution is a haven for bright young scientists who can contribute significantly to the field of research and development.

“Upon receiving the news, we felt overjoyed as our proposal was chosen for the thesis grant despite the drawbacks we had to overcome. At the same time, it felt validating that our topic had been chosen by experts in the field of natural products,” Torres said.

For the student grantees, the process of obtaining this award has been a life-changing event. Along with refining their research abilities, they have also acquired admirable qualities like resilience, tenacity, and camaraderie.

“As a biology student and representative of PUP, this achievement represents a recognition of our hard work. It validates the significance of our research in various aspects. This makes us more grateful and committed. With that, I am pleased to encourage PUP students to explore more on their field of study and be the Iskolar Ng Bayan that contributes to the community,” Maljacan stated.

This success story sets the stage for PUP’s future research initiatives and encourages both academics and students to work on creative ideas that tackle urgent global problems. In addition to empowering its students to become leaders in their fields of study, the institution is well-positioned to enhance its research programs.

“Our success in securing a grant from the DOST-PCHRD serves as a testament that even topics that may initially seem superficial can hold great value and should never be underestimated. Research does not have to be revolutionary to be impactful. Often, it is the subtle yet logically crafted research that paves the way for significant advances. Our work may not redefine the field, but it contributes valuable insights that could lead to practical applications,” Torres concluded.

_{Photo courtesy of: Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Science}