Preparation of culture plates demonstrating anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity of Penicillium sp. and their use as teaching materials.

Abstract

Penicillin is recognized as one of the world's first antibiotics, originally derived from Penicillium sp. However, few students have directly observed the antibacterial activity of Penicillium sp. against bacterial pathogens. Therefore, we hypothesized that observing this phenomenon could enhance the interest of pharmacy students in micro-organisms and antibiotics. First, we selected a Penicillium strain exhibiting strong antibacterial activity and established a reproducible method to prepare culture plates showing clear inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth. During a microbiology practical course, students observed these prepared plates, and a questionnaire survey of university students was conducted before and after the session. Students were asked whether observing this antibacterial activity increased their interest in antibiotics and aided their retention of knowledge about antibiotics. Over 80% of respondents answered favourably, suggesting that incorporating images of plates showing Penicillium-mediated antibacterial activity into teaching would improve students' interest in microbiology and antibiotics.