Mushroom Healers: Evaluating the Characteristics of Agaricus Bisporus Infused Hydrogel Strips to Enhance First degree Burn Healing
Medicine, Health, and Disease- Grade:
- 11
- Teacher:
- Raymund Endriga
This study evolved from my initial study about the antimicrobial property of mushroom extracts that presented button mushrooms, Agaricus Bisporus, to be the most effective extract to prevent the growth of certain bacteria. Pursuing the antimicrobial effect of A. bisporus and its other possible inert characteristics, this second year study will show whether it could enhance the effects of a hydrogel strip to be used for first degree burn healing. Burns, in general, require a moist environment and an appropriate pH level for effective healing. To meet these healing requirements, the hydrogel strips were infused with varying concentrations at 10 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml, and 70 ml of A. bisporus extract and evaluated for moisture retention capacity, absorbency and pH level. Moisture retention was measured by its percentage mass loss over time. On the other hand, the absorbency, or swelling ratio, was measured by observing the weight of the strip after it took up some fluid. Moreover, the pH leachate was noted using pH strips. Results showed that increasing extract concentration improved moisture retention and absorbency while maintaining most pH levels at 7. The 70 mL concentration demonstrated the highest moisture retention and absorbency with a mildly acidic pH of 6. These findings suggest that A. bisporus infused hydrogel strips may be an effective alternative to promote healing in first-degree burns by maintaining moisture, absorbing exudate in case of misjudged cases, and supporting an optimal wound environment. Together with the antimicrobial property of the button mushrooms, the strips would give you a more efficient organic medium to take care of burn cases.
Great background information. Very creative. Good luck in the future developments of this project. Looks promising.
This looks promising, good luck continuing this work. Awesome project!
I really really enjoyed looking at this project and I think this is beautifully done. Your presentation was very visually appealing and included all the information to inform the viewer of your project. I liked how you included the background information and how hydrogel is used to treat burns – something that most people may not know. I liked how you clearly stated your questions separately in different bullet points and revisited that in your conclusion. The methodology was my favorite part – the pictures included are incredibly helpful and the instructions are clear. Your graph is color-coded and concise and your analysis of the data is great. Overall, you did a wonderful job and I hope that you will be able to conduct more research on this topic!