Abstract
Candida biofilm structure is particularly difficult to eradicate, since biofilm is much more resistant to antifungal agents than planktonic cells. In this context, a more effective strategy seems to be the prevention of biofilm formation than its eradication. The aim of the study was to examine whether the process of initial colonization of materials (glass, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene) by food-borne Candida sp. can be impeded by clove and thyme essential oils, used at their minimal inhibitory concentrations. In the presence of clove oil, 68.4–84.2% of the yeast tested showed a statistically significant reduction in biofilm formation, depending on the material. After treatment with thyme oil, statistically significant decrease in biofilm cell numbers was observed for 63.2–73.7% of yeasts. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed diverse compounds of clove and thyme oils that were disparately located in C. albicans cell, on a cell wall and a cell membrane, in cytoplasm, and in vacuoles, depicting the multidirectional action of essential oils. However, essential oils that were used in sub-inhibitory concentration were sequestrated in the yeast vacuoles, which indicate the activation of Candida defense mechanisms by cell detoxification. Clove and thyme essential oils due to their anti-biofilm activity can be efficiently used in the prevention of the tested abiotic surfaces colonization by Candida sp.
Highlights
Some species of the Candida genus are responsible for infections related to biofilm formation, which is considered to be an important virulence factor
The aim of the research was to examine whether the process of initial colonization of chosen abiotic surfaces by food-borne Candida sp. and the formation of mature biofilm structure can be impeded by clove and thyme essential oils
Candidiasis, which is most frequently caused by C. albicans, and by C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, or C. parapsilosis, is often associated with the formation of biofilms on the surface of medical devices and tissues [13]
Summary
Some species of the Candida genus are responsible for infections related to biofilm formation, which is considered to be an important virulence factor. Biofilm forming Candida strains are associated with higher patients mortality, probably correlated with the poor permeability of the matrix to the antifungal drugs [1]. Risk of Candida infections is associated with biofilm that is formed on medical devices, such as catheters, implants, endoprosthesis, fixation, and artificial valves, and with the biofilm produced in food products and on food-packaging surfaces [2]. Candida biofilm is a heterogeneous, three-dimensional well-organized structure that consists of planktonic and mycelial yeast forms, surrounded by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The structure of biofilm enhances the effectiveness of microbial protection against the adverse environmental factors, including antibiotics, reduces the effectiveness of host defense mechanisms and Molecules 2019, 24, 1954; doi:10.3390/molecules24101954 www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
