High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

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Course Code

PCB

Course Number

4943

Faculty/Instructor

Professor Nicole Verity

Faculty/Instructor Email

Nicole.verity@ucf.edu

About the Author

My name is Angela Caruso, and I am a graduating senior majoring in Biomedical Sciences. I am an aspiring healthcare professional and had the opportunity to partake in PILOT under the direction of Professor Verity and Dr. Borgon. This is my first real venture into research, and I am passionate about food, so I wanted to incorporate that into whatever it was that my PILOT project would be.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

Caffeine, a prevalent stimulant, has inconclusive effects on the gut-brain axis. Key probiotics such as Lactobacillus play a chief role in gut health and neurotransmitter production. These bacteria are able to effectively influence brain function and overall health. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of caffeine on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus reuteri to determine antagonistic or synergistic effects on the bacteria’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production and synthesis of serotonin-related metabolites.

The methodology for this work begins with treating bacterial cultures with varying concentrations of caffeine and then incubating at 37ºC for 48 hours. Supernatants are then retrieved for analysis of neurotransmitter levels using spectrometry and/or immunosorbant assays. Bacterial growth is assessed by measuring optical density and by calculating colony-forming units (CFUs).

Higher caffeine concentrations inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing neurotransmitter production is expected. This could lead to alterations of communication within the gut-brain axis. This research is significant in understanding the broader implications of caffeine consumption on gut health. Especially in a society where caffeine consumption is so widely prevalent, understanding physiological implications could guide individuals to consume caffeine in a way that maximizes its benefits on the gut microbiome and overall health. One key thing I hope to learn is the physiological affects caffeine has on the body other than as its known role as a stimulant.

Keywords

lactobacillus, gut-brain axis, GABA, serotonin, neurotransmitters, caffeine

The Impact of Caffeine on Neurotransmitter Production by Lactobacillus Spp.


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