Potential of Red Algae Eucheuma cottoni as Antibacterial to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Eucheuma cottonii is one type of macroalgae that has been widely cultivated. Potential resources that can be developed is the use of macroalgae as antibacterial. Bioactive compounds in Eucheuma cottonii namely alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins can be utilized as antibacterials. This study aims to see the antibacterial activity of Eucheuma cottoni seaweed extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria using the disc diffusion method. The test was conducted from October 7 to December 14, 2024, at the Aquatic Productivity Laboratory, and Oceanography Laboratory, Marine Science study program, Department of Fisheries and Marine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. Samples were taken from Lontar Village, Tirtayasa District, Serang Regency, Banten Province. Dilution of Eucheuma cottonii extract with a concentration of 10,000 ppm 5,000 ppm, 1000 ppm, 100 ppm and 10 ppm. The variable observed was the magnitude of the inhibition zone of Eucheuma cottoni against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The results showed that Eucheuma cottonii extract had weak antibacterial activity, with the highest inhibition zone of 13.93 mm at a concentration of 10,000 ppm. This study shows that Eucheuma cottonii extract is only effective in inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in the first 48 hours. Further research is needed to improve the effectiveness of this extract as a natural antibacterial agent.