8th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Time: 10:30
Room: 303
Presenter(s): Micaela Robson
Title: Isolation and Characterization of Bacillus Species from Polyester Clothing 
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Stephanie Mathews , Biology

Clothing hosts thousands of different bacteria. Some bacteria are present during manufacturing and after wearing. Bacterial communities from unworn and worn polyester garments were compared by amplicon sequencing; 12 Bacillus species were shared on both sample types. These bacteria were isolated and grown on media containing the polyester chemicals Hydroperm T and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 1450. Some Bacillus grew on PEG 1450, and Hydroperm T with the addition of artificial sweat. These observations suggest that these Bacillus can metabolize polyester. Upon wear, sweat may increase metabolic activity and the by-products of that metabolism could contribute greatly to the fabric malodor.