Researchers with North Carolina State University in Raleigh identified an ant species that produces powerful antimicrobial agents, which could potentially aid the development of new antibiotic therapies for humans, according to a study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
While previous studies have found social insects produce antimicrobial agents, researchers were unclear what specific ant species produced these properties. To bridge this knowledge gap, researchers assessed 20 ant species for antimicrobials. The team used solvents to extract all substances from the surface of the ant's exoskeletons. Researchers then introduced these substances into a liquid mixture containing bacteria and waited 24 hours before measuring bacterial growth.
Twelve of the 20 ant species displayed some level of antimicrobial activity. One of the smallest ants displayed the highest level of antimicrobial activity.
"One species we looked at, the thief ant (Solenopsis molesta), had the most powerful antibiotic effect of any species we tested — and until now, no one had even shown that they made use of antimicrobials," said Adrian Smith, PhD, co-author of the study and an assistant research professor of biological sciences at NC State. "Next steps include testing ant species against other bacteria; determining what substances are producing the antibiotic effects — and whether ants produce them or obtain them elsewhere; and exploring what alternative strategies ants use to defend against bacterial pathogens."
To watch a video about this research, click here.
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