Abstract
Candida albicans causes superficial and life-threatening systemic infections. These are difficult to treat often due to drug resistance, particularly because C. albicans biofilms are inherently resistant to most antifungals. Sophorolipid (SL), a glycolipid biosurfactant, has been shown to have antimicrobial and anticancer properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of SL on C. albicans biofilm formation and preformed biofilms. SL was found to inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation as well as reduce the viability of preformed biofilms. Moreover, SL, when used along with amphotericin B (AmB) or fluconazole (FLZ), was found to act synergistically against biofilm formation and preformed biofilms. Effect of SL on C. albicans biofilm formation was further visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which revealed absence of hyphae, typical biofilm architecture and alteration in the morphology of biofilm cells. We also found that SL downregulates the expression of hypha specific genes HWP1, ALS1, ALS3, ECE1 and SAP4, which possibly explains the inhibitory effect of SL on hyphae and biofilm formation.
Highlights
Candidiasis caused by Candida species is one of the most common form of hospital acquired opportunistic infection[1,2]
In an attempt to find out the effect of SL on non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, we extended our study to C. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata
We have determined the MIC80 of SL against the planktonic cell of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata and C. lusitaniae (Table 1)
Summary
Candidiasis caused by Candida species is one of the most common form of hospital acquired opportunistic infection[1,2]. An important reason for the failure of current antifungal drugs is attributed to Candida biofilms which are inherently resistant to most antifungal treatments. There is an urgent need for newer antifungal drugs that are potentially active alone or in combination with current antifungals against both the planktonic cells and biofilm of Candida. Antifungal activity of SL against planktonic cells of pathogenic Candida species has been reported. Recent reports showed that combinatorial therapy of various drugs is highly effective to eradicate Candida biofilm[29]. Combinatorial therapy against pathogens has several advantages which includes rapid effect of the therapy, wide drug spectrum, synergy, lowered toxicity and lowered risk for antifungal resistance.
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