Abstract
Refilling hotel products and storing open products in bathrooms are excellent conditions for bacterial growth. Bacteria accumulate in frequently touched surfaces and thrive in warm, moist, nutrient-rich environments. Bathrooms are also the perfect breeding ground for microbes to flourish. Not all bacteria are bad for our health, but it would be beneficial to know what microorganisms can be found in cosmetic or cream products that are used on a daily basis. This is especially important when bacteria or fungi are known pathogens. This study evaluated and classified bacteria and fungi in shampoos and body lotions using Trypticase Soy Agar (TSA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates. A sample of Neutrogena body lotion was diluted 1/10,000 before plating 100 µL. A sample of La Coupe Aragon Oil Complex Shampoo was diluted 1/1000 before plating 100 µL. The diluted products were then incubated at 37°C, and bacteria were characterized by microscopy and various microbiological tests. A few different species of bacteria were discovered in the shampoo and body wash: Bacillus cereus, Mycobacterium phlei, and Staphylococcus lugdunesis. Molds were also detected. Additional testing will be done in the future since additional microbes could potentially grow at different temperatures, and on other types of media.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Biology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Kimberly Evenson
Location
Ballroom - Kryzsko Commons
Start Date
4-18-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
4-18-2024 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
17
Included in
Characterization of Bacteria and Fungi in Hotel Bathroom Products
Ballroom - Kryzsko Commons
Refilling hotel products and storing open products in bathrooms are excellent conditions for bacterial growth. Bacteria accumulate in frequently touched surfaces and thrive in warm, moist, nutrient-rich environments. Bathrooms are also the perfect breeding ground for microbes to flourish. Not all bacteria are bad for our health, but it would be beneficial to know what microorganisms can be found in cosmetic or cream products that are used on a daily basis. This is especially important when bacteria or fungi are known pathogens. This study evaluated and classified bacteria and fungi in shampoos and body lotions using Trypticase Soy Agar (TSA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates. A sample of Neutrogena body lotion was diluted 1/10,000 before plating 100 µL. A sample of La Coupe Aragon Oil Complex Shampoo was diluted 1/1000 before plating 100 µL. The diluted products were then incubated at 37°C, and bacteria were characterized by microscopy and various microbiological tests. A few different species of bacteria were discovered in the shampoo and body wash: Bacillus cereus, Mycobacterium phlei, and Staphylococcus lugdunesis. Molds were also detected. Additional testing will be done in the future since additional microbes could potentially grow at different temperatures, and on other types of media.
