Biology students study anti-bacterial properties of okra mucilage, present findings at ASPB conference

Two Alfred University students studying with Assistant Professor of Biology Cat Clarke presented research conducted under Clarke's guidance at the recent American Society of Plant Biologists conference, held in Milwaukee WI

Undergraduate EQ AlQtam and graduate engineering student Preston Guynup presented their work at the poster exhibit hosted by the conference, which was attended by more than 1,000 plant researchers, faculty members and graduate students around the U.S. and internationally.

AlQtam and Guynup's research focused on possible medicinal properties in the okra plant, a member of the Mallow family, which generates a slippery liquid called mucilage in its fruits and leaves. The research indicates possible anti-bacterial properties in okra mucilage that may be useful in the treatment of wounds.

According to Clarke, AlQtam and Guynup's work grew out of a research topics course offered in the Biology division in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The course, which provides unique and ongoing research opportunities for students, studied okra mucilage in depth, encouraged by pre-med student Aaniyah Smith, who had a strong interest in medicinal plants and their possible use in wound care and bone grafting.

AlQtam and Guynup continued the research with Clarke, culminating in their attendance at the ASPB conference.

AlQtam says the research project developed data that supports the team's initial hypothesis that okra mucilage could suppress the growth of bacteria. His research and attendance at the ASPB conference also dovetail with his long-term interest in studying biology at the graduate level. "I want to study immunology and microbiology, and this work will definitely add value to my resume and applications."