Antibacterial Activity of Esterified Trigona laeviceps Hive Waste Extract against Skin-Associated Bacteria
Abstract
Stingless bee (Trigona laeviceps) hive waste contains bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and organic acids, with potential antibacterial activity. This study aimed to enhance its antibacterial activity through esterification using methanol and ethanol. The extract was obtained by sonochemical extraction with 96% ethanol and reacted with methanol or ethanol using H₂SO₄ as a catalyst. Esterification products were characterized by FTIR and GC–MS. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes was evaluated at 10%, 15%, and 20% using the agar well-diffusion method. Alcohol variation affected the chemical profile and antibacterial activity. The ethanol ester showed the largest inhibition zones at 20%, measuring 1.97 ± 0.24 mm against S. aureus and 1.90 ± 0.10 mm against P. acnes. These findings suggest that esterification may improve the value of stingless bee hive waste as a natural antibacterial candidate.
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