Date of Award

Spring 2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Biology

College

College of Science

First Advisor

Fang-Ju Lin

Abstract/Description

Metabolites from fungi have potential use in the drug discovery process and have been used in the past to develop therapeutic agents for human use. Initial characterization of potential therapeutic properties of fungi is thus an important first step in identifying novel therapeutic compounds. In the present study, marine fungi were isolated from Myrtle Beach and assayed for anticancer properties using the soft agar colony formation assay in a 3D in vitro cellular environment. Many species were isolated from environmental samples, displaying unique morphologies and growth patterns. To optimize the soft agar assay in a six-well cell culture plate for incubation with the isolated fungal samples, a 3D printed tray was designed. This tray allowed for structural support of fungal growth media while allowing for layer separation after incubation for visualization of the cell-containing layer. Completion of this work was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and further optimization of the protocol is required for its use.

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