Evaluating the antibacterial properties of deep-sea sponges , , and from the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba.

Marine sponges are known for their rich variety of secondary metabolites, many of which show potential for pharmaceutical applications. In this study, three deep-sea sponge species-, and -were identified using DNA barcoding, and their ethanolic extracts were tested for antibacterial activity. The extracts were evaluated against Gram-positive (, and methicillin-resistant , MRSA) and Gram-negative bacteria (, and using the agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also determined. Among the extracts, exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from six to 21 mm against gram-positive bacteria and low MIC/MBC values from 0.25 to three mg/ml. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, bolinaquinone, dactyloquinone, and others, which are known for their antimicrobial properties. These findings suggest that has promising antibacterial properties that could be valuable in combating antimicrobial resistance.