Growth Inhibition Of Candida Albicans Research Articles

Synergistic antimicrobial action of nanocellulose, nanoselenium, and nanocomposite against pathogenic microorganisms

Recently, there has been a surge in curiosity regarding the application of biopolymer-derived nanomaterials, primarily attributable to their extensive array of potential applications. In this study, nanocellulose was extracted from algae, biomolecule substances synthesized selenium nanoparticles, and a simple nanocomposite of nanocellulose and nanoselenium was elaborated using nanocellulose as a reducing agent under hydrothermal conditions. These nanocomposite materials have markedly improved properties at low concentrations. Our obtained polymers were characterized using techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopic (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Transmission electron microscopic (TEM), Zeta Potential and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The size of nanocellulose, nanoselenium, and nanocomposite ranged from 35 to 85 nm. Antimicrobial investigation of the prepared nanopolymers was tested against Gram-negative bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Gram-positive bacteria such as Escherichia coli ATCC8739 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 90274 and fungi such as Candida albicans ATCC 10221 besides Aspergillus fumigatus. In antibacterial action tests, nanoselenium showed significant efficacy against Bacillus subtilis with a 12 mm zone of inhibition, while the nanocomposite eclipsed all microorganisms. Nanocellulose and the nanocomposite were potent against Staphylococcus aureus (14 mm and 16 mm zones of inhibition, respectively). The nanocomposite showed potential against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17 mm and 15 mm zones of inhibition, respectively). All polymers effectively inhibited Candida albicans growth (18 mm for the nanocomposite). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for three polymers have also been established. While nanocellulose displayed a MIC of 62.5 μg/ml in contradiction to Staphylococcus aureus, nanoselenium demonstrated a significant MIC of 3.95 μg/ml against Bacillus subtilis. These findings highlight the potential of the nanocomposite (nanocellulose-nanoselenium) as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial polymer.

The Antifungal and Antiviral Activity of Coatings Containing Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Verbascum L. or Formitopsis betulina Extracts and Their Influence on the Quality of Strawberries after Storage

The goal of this study was to analyze the antifungal and antiviral activity of coatings based on Formitopsis betulina, Verbascum L. and Uncaria tomentosa extracts with ZnO nanoparticles as active compounds. The other purpose was to investigate the impact of polypropylene bags coated with the obtained antiviral/antifungal coatings on the microbial quality/purity of strawberries. The results of this study showed that the analyzed coatings inhibited Candida albicans growth completely. They did not inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum, but they decreased its number. Additionally, all layers demonstrated a high activity against the Φ 6 bacteriophage particles. Analyzing the microbial purity of the strawberries after storage, it was noticed that the modified bags with Verbascum L. (ZnVL) and F. betulina (ZnFb) extracts and the addition of the nano ZnO had a significant effect on the decrease of the total count and on the number of yeast and mold. After 144 h of storage of the strawberries, the ZnVL coating was found to be more effective than the ZnFb layer. However, after 216 h of storage, ZnVL was more active against yeast and mold, but the packaging covered with the ZnFb coating was more effective against bacteria.

Sub-lethal concentrations of chlorhexidine inhibit Candida albicans growth by disrupting ROS and metal ion homeostasis

ABSTRACT Candida albicans is a normal resident of the human oral cavity. It is also the most common fungal pathogen, causing various oral diseases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent widely used in dental practice and has been recommended to treat oral candidiasis. However, its action mechanism against the fungal pathogen C. albicans remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of CHG at sub-lethal concentrations against C. albicans. CHG inhibited the growth of C. albicans in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cells treated with CHG exhibited altered membrane permeability, reduced metabolic activity, and enhanced metal ion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Copper-sensing transcription factor Mac1, iron-sensing transcription factors Sfu1 and Sef2, and copper transporter Ctr1 regulated intracellular metal ion and ROS homeostasis in response to CHG. Deletion of MAC1, SFU1, or SEF2 increased intracellular ROS production and cell susceptibility to CHG. This study revealed a novel mechanism by which CHG induced apoptosis of C. albicans cells through the disruption of metal ion and ROS homeostasis, which may help to identify new targets for fungal infections.

Telah dilakukan penelitian tentang isolasi dan uji aktivitas antifungi ekstrak etanol kulit buah delima merah (Punica granatum L.) terhadap Candida albicans. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui senyawa metabolit sekunder apa saja yang bisa diisolasi dari kulit buah delima merah dan untuk mengetahui aktivitas antifungal ekstrak etanol kulit buah delima merah terhadap Candida albicans serta untuk mengetahui konsentrasi ekstrak etanol yang paling efektif untuk menghambat pertumbuhan Candida albicans. Berdasarkan uji fitokimia diketahui bahwa senyawa metabolit sekunder yang terkandung dalam ekstrak adalah golongan flavonoid dan tanin. Kemudian dilanjutkan dengan teknik KLT dan KLTP. Pada KLT eluen yang memberikan pemisahan terbaik adalah metanol : etil asetat (3:1) dengan harga Rf sebesar 0,44 dan 0,51. Eluen hasil KLT selanjutnya digunakan untuk KLTP. Pada KLTP dihasilkan satu spot berbentuk bulat berwarna kuning dengan harga Rf 0,77. Proses selanjutnya adalah uji aktivitas antifungi menggunakan metode difusi agar sumuran. Untuk uji ini menggunakan jamur Candida albicans. Proses pengujian dilakukan dengan menggunakan variasi konsentrasi ekstrak kulit buah delima yaitu 10%, 20%, 40% dan 50%. Data hasil pengujian adalah keempat konsentrasi ekstrak kulit buah delima dapat menghambat pertumbuhan jamur Candida albicans, ditandai dengan adanya daerah bening di sekitar konsentrasi. Data pengujian di analisis menggunakan anova satu jalur pada taraf kesalahan 1% dengan Fhitung > Ftabel = 116,709727 > 5,064. Berdasarkan hasil tersebut dapat dikatakan bahwa ada pengaruh yang signifikan antara keempat konsentrasi terhadap diameter zona hambat. Untuk itu dilanjutkan dengan uji Tukey dengan taraf kesalahan 1% untuk mengetahui konsentrasi mana yang paling berpengaruh untuk menghambat pertumbuhan jamur Candida albicans. Dari hasil uji ini di peroleh hasil yang paling efektif adalah ekstrak kulit buah delima dengan 50% yang mempunyai daya hambat sebesar 22,26 mm.

The research about isolation and antifungal activity test of ethanol extract of Punica granatum L peel towards Candida albicans’ has been done.  The objectives of this study are to determine any secondary metabolite compounds that can be isolated from Punica granatum L peel, to determine antifungal activity of Punica granatum L peel extract and to determine the most effective concentration to inhibit Candida albicans growth. Based on phytochemical test result, it can be concluded that secondary metabolite compounds contained in Punica granatum L peel extract are flavonoide and tannin. The process was continued by TLC and PTLC. Based on TLC process, eluent with best separation was methanol:ethyl acetate (3:1) with 0,44 and 0,51 as the Rf values. The eluent from the following TLC was used for PTLC process. PTLC results showed one round spots, the yellow one with Rf value = 0,77. The following process was antifungal activity test using agar diffusion method and Candida albicans was used for this purpose. The antifungal testing process was done by varying the concentration of Punica granatum L peel extract to 10%, 20%, 40% and 50%. The result showed that the four concentrations can inhibit the Candida albicans’ growth, indicated by transparent zone surrounding the concentration. One way Anova results Fcount> Ftable =  116,709727 > 5,064, it indicates that there is significant influence of various concentration to resistivity zone diameter. The process continued by analyzing the most effective concentration using multiple Tukey comparative test with 1% significance level. The result showed that the most effective concentration to inhibit Candida albicans growth was 50% Punica granatum L peel extract with its resistivity capacity is 22,26 mm

α,ω-Diacyl-Substituted Analogues of Natural and Unnatural Polyamines: Identification of Potent Bactericides That Selectively Target Bacterial Membranes.

In this study, α-ω-disubstituted polyamines exhibit a range of potentially useful biological activities, including antimicrobial and antibiotic potentiation properties. We have prepared an expanded set of diarylbis(thioureido)polyamines that vary in central polyamine core length, identifying analogues with potent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii and Candida albicans growth inhibition properties, in addition to the ability to enhance action of doxycycline towards Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The observation of associated cytotoxicity/hemolytic properties prompted synthesis of an alternative series of diacylpolyamines that explored aromatic head groups of varying lipophilicity. Examples bearing terminal groups each containing two phenyl rings (15a-f, 16a-f) were found to have optimal intrinsic antimicrobial properties, with MRSA being the most susceptible organism. A lack of observed cytotoxicity or hemolytic properties for all but the longest polyamine chain variants identified these as non-toxic Gram-positive antimicrobials worthy of further study. Analogues bearing either one or three aromatic-ring-containing head groups were either generally devoid of antimicrobial properties (one ring) or cytotoxic/hemolytic (three rings), defining a rather narrow range of head group lipophilicity that affords selectivity for Gram-positive bacterial membranes versus mammalian. Analogue 15d is bactericidal and targets the Gram-positive bacterial membrane.

Efficacy of Aloe secundiflora crude plant extract against Candida albicans and Penicillium marneffei

Abstract
 Medicinal plants have been used in production of various drugs singly or in combination and even as principal raw material for the production of other conventional medicines. There are a number of Aloe species that grow wildly in Kenya. Ten mature leaves of Aloe secundiflora were collected and the crude plant extract was obtained and prepared according to Waihenya et al., 2003. It was then tested for antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Penicillium marneffei.  In- vitro studies on the efficacy of crude extracts of A. secundiflora on C.albicans and P. marneffei were conducted. The results of the study revealed considerable zones of inhibition of Candida albicans growth caused by Aloe secundiflora crude plant extract on Sabouraoud agar. There was also growth inhibition of the Penicillium marneffei which is known to cause infections in immunosuppressed hosts and in non-AIDS patients with hematological malignancies and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Our results suggests that, the extract can be used to prevent the aflatoxins caused by Aspergillus species and the superficial mycosis that result from fungal infection and probably any other kind of mycoses. Further studies are required starting with experimental models to establish the in-vivo activity of the crude extract, the active ingredient, dosage and safety of A.secundiflora, before recommending it for clinical use.
  
 Keywords: Aloe secundiflora, Immunosuppressed hosts, Crude extract, Candida albicans, Penicillium marneffei

PRODUK BIOTEKNOLOGI FARMASI BERUPA SABUN MANDI KOMBUCHA BUNGA TELANG (Clitoria ternatea L) SEBAGAI ANTIFUNGI Candida albicans

Telang flower kombucha besides playing an important role in the food sector as a probiotic drink, it has potential in the pharmaceutical (cosmetic) field, especially in the preparation of probiotic liquid bath soap in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans which causes vaginal discharge in the female intimate organs. This study aims to make formulations and preparations of probiotic liquid bath soap with active ingredients from fermented kombucha telang flower solution at concentrations of 20%, 30%, and 40% in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. This research method is a laboratory experiment by making 4 preparations of probiotic liquid bath soap with active ingredients from fermented kombucha telang flower solution at concentrations of 20%, 30%, 40%, and soap base as a negative control and the use of biore soap available in the market as a positive control. Testing on the growth inhibition of Candida albicans using the disc diffusion method. Data analysis was carried out statistically using one-way ANOVA and further tests were carried out in the form of post hoc analysis. The conclusion in this study was that the concentration of 40% in the preparation of kombucha flower telang bath soap was the best concentration as antifungal Candida albicans with an average diameter of the resulting inhibition zone was 20.52 mm.

Antifungal effect, surface roughness, and cytotoxicity of three-dimensionally printed denture base with phytoncide-filled microcapsules: An in-vitro study

To produce three-dimensionally (3D) printed removable denture bases with antifungal activity using microencapsulation of phytochemicals that inhibit Candida albicans growth. Two types of phytoncide oil extract A and B were micro-encapsulated. The phytoncide-filled microcapsules were mixed with denture base resin for 3D printing with various concentration conditions, and manufactured into the discs by digital light processing. The microcapsule concentrations in 3D-printed discs were 2, 4, 6 and 8wt% for the phytoncide oil A, and 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25wt% for the phytoncide oil B. Nine groups with different microcapsule concentrations and a control group were prepared (n=5). Microcapsule-containing 3D-printed denture base resin discs were evaluated in terms of surface roughness, polymerization, antifungal activity, and its persistence against C. albicans, and cytotoxicity. There was no significant difference amongst the surface roughness values of all discs. The polymerization of 3D-printed resin disc with microcapsule was different between phytoncide type A and B. The discs with phytoncide-filled microcapsules at 6wt% for type A and 15wt% for type B showed significant antifungal activities against C. albicans at 4 weeks. All discs were reported to be non-cytotoxic to human gingival fibroblasts. Denture base resin discs with antifungal activities were successfully manufactured using phytoncide micro-encapsulation and digital light processing. Considering the antifungal effect and its persistence, surface roughness, polymerization, and cytotoxicity, the optimal microcapsule concentrations for 3D-printed denture bases were 6wt% and 15wt% for phytoncide A and B, respectively. Using micro-encapsulation of phytochemicals such as phytoncide oil, denture base resin materials with antifungal activities can be successfully fabricated by digital light processing.

Trichoderma hamatum derived from coffee plant ( Coffea canephora ) rhizosphere inhibit Candida albicans Growth

The Trichoderma hamatum produces various secondary metabolites that can be used as Candida albicans.  This research aimed to isolate T. hamatum from the coffee (Coffea canephora) rhizosphere and analyze the fungal compounds to control the pathogenic fungus C. albicans. T. hamatum was isolated using the dilution method, and the fungal identification was used, combining morphological and molecular characteristics of ITS rDNA. The potency of T. hamatum as C. albicans was determined by antagonist test using the double-layer method, while for culture filtrate, ethyl acetate and n-hexane filtrate extracts were carried out by the agar diffusion method. The compounds in the most active extract were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). T. hamatum inhibits C. albicans growth in antagonistic and filtrate with 15.53 mm and 14.40 mm of inhibition zone. It indicated that both culture and fungal filtrate had similar activities on C. albicans. The ethyl acetate extract (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC of 0.50%) showed more potent against C. abicans than n-hexane extract (MIC of 15.00%). The potential active compound in the ethyl acetate extract would be 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z) methyl ester. The 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z) methyl ester could be used as an alternative candidate to control Candida.

Hinokitiol chelates intracellular iron to retard fungal growth by disturbing mitochondrial respiration

IntroductionThe increasing morbidity of fungal infections and the prevalence of drug resistance highlighted the discovery of novel antifungal agents and investigation of their modes of action. Iron chelators have been used to treat superficial fungal infections or potentiate the efficacy of certain antifungal drugs. Hinokitiol exhibits potent antifungal activity and iron-chelating ability. However, their relationships have not been established. ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the selectivity of hinokitiol against fungal cells and mammalian cells and determine the role of iron-chelating for the antifungal activity of hinokitiol. MethodsIron probe FeRhonox-1 was used to determine intracellular Fe2+ content. 5-Cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium chloride probe and Cell Counting Kit-8 were used to detect the mitochondrial respiratory activities. Quantitative real-time PCR and rescue experiments were performed to determine the effect of iron on the antifungal activity of hinokitiol. The effects of hinokitiol on fungal mitochondria were further evaluated using reactive oxygen species probes and several commercial Assay Kits. The ability of hinokitiol to induce resistance in Candida species was carried out using a serial passage method. The in vivo therapeutic effect of hinokitiol was evaluated using Galleria mellonella as an infectious model. ResultsHinokitiol was effective against a panel of Candida strains with multiple azole-resistant mechanisms and persistently inhibited Candida albicans growth. Mechanism investigations revealed that hinokitiol chelated fungal intracellular iron and inhibited the respiration of fungal cells but had minor effects on mammalian cells. Hinokitiol further inhibited the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I and II and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby decreasing intracellular ATP synthesis and increasing detrimental intracellular reductive stress. Moreover, hinokitiol exhibited low potential for inducing resistance in several Candida species and greatly improved the survival of Candida-infected Galleria mellonella. ConclusionsThese findings suggested the potential application of hinokitiol as an iron chelator to treat fungal infections.

Determining growth inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm on denture materials after application of an organoselenium-containing dental sealant

Statement of problemDenture stomatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by the formation of Candida albicans biofilm on denture bases. It is associated with aggravating intraoral pain, itching, and burning sensations. It can also potentiate cardiovascular diseases and aspiration pneumonia. The problem has thus far eluded efficient, toxic-free, and cost-effective solutions. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effectiveness of organoselenium to inhibit the formation of C. albicans biofilm on the surface of acrylic resin denture base materials when it is either incorporated into the acrylic resin material or coated on the denture surface as a light-polymerized surface sealant. Material and methodsSixty heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate disks were fabricated and assigned to 4 groups (n=15): disks coated with a light-polymerized organoselenium-containing enamel surface sealant (DenteShield), disks impregnated with 0.5% organoselenium (0.5% selenium), disks impregnated with 1% organoselenium (1% selenium), and disks without organoselenium (control). C. albicans biofilm was grown on each disk which had been placed in a well of the microtiter plate containing 1-mL brain heart infusion broth inoculated with C. albicans. The plates were incubated aerobically at 37 °C for 48 hours. A confocal laser scanning microscope was used to determine the biofilm thickness, biomass, and live/dead cell ratio. Biofilm morphology was examined with scanning electron microscopy, whereas microbial viability was quantified by the spread plate method. The data were analyzed by using ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons (α=.05). ResultsThe microbial viability, biofilm thickness, biofilm biomass, and live/dead cell ratio were lower (P<.001) on disks in the test groups (DenteShield, 0.5% selenium, 1% selenium) when compared with the control group, with these variables being lowest in the 0.5% selenium and 1% selenium groups. The 0.5% selenium and 1% selenium groups did not differ significantly from each other in any of the variables (P>.05). Scanning electron microscope images showed inhibition of both biofilm growth and yeast to hyphae transition in the DenteShield, 0.5% selenium, and 1% selenium groups, with visible disruption of the biofilm morphology. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that organoselenium, whether incorporated into or coated on the surface of an acrylic resin denture base material, has the potential to inhibit Candida albicans biofilm growth on denture surfaces and as such can be clinically useful for the prevention of denture stomatitis.

Analysis of Antimicrobial Properties of PVA-Based Coatings with Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Public places such as swimming pools, saunas and jacuzzis are at high risk of developing microorganisms and are a potential source of disease. Above all, increased temperature and humidity favour this. A relatively new but effective way to combat microorganisms is to subject them to metal or metal oxide nanoparticles. The paper presents a method of obtaining nanocompositions for direct application at the place of occurrence of the microorganisms. The advantage of nanocompositions is that they can easily be removed from the infected surface in the form of a film containing dead organic matter. The article investigates the biocidal properties against common microorganisms such as Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans of nanocompositions containing silver nanoparticles and nanometric zinc oxide. The physicochemical properties of the nanocompositions were characterised and the antifungal properties of the preparations obtained determined using the suspension method. The results showed that the PVA-based compositions obtained were able effectively to inhibit the growth of the tested strains. Elongation of contact time between microorganism and nanoparticles which was changed from 5 to 60 min resulted in higher antimicrobial activity. It was manifested in reduced growth area. The same observation was made when the concentration of used nanoparticles was increased. When the concentration of nanosilver raised from 12.5 up to 200 ppm, the development of Aspergillus niger was slower. Increasing of zinc oxide nanoparticles concentration resulted in growth inhibition of Candida albicans strain.Graphic

Biocompatibility and Effectiveness of a Novel, Organic Olive Oil-Based Denture Adhesive: A Multicenter Randomized and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

To assess the clinical efficacy of a novel, organic olive oil-based denture adhesive and its effect on Candida albicans growth in maxillary edentulous individuals wearing complete dentures, individuals were selected from two dental schools in Portugal and Spain. Twenty-eight complete dentures were relined, following a standardized protocol. The novel product (test) was compared with a commercialized adhesive (control) and Vaseline (placebo) randomly assigned in a cross-study design. The retention resistance was measured with a gnathometer and a dynamometer. The patients related outcome evaluations with a five-point questionnaire, and the Candida albicans growth in a Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium was used to evaluate differences between the placebo and experimental product. Twenty-three participants were included. The dynamometer evaluation showed significant differences between not using a denture adhesive and using either (experimental, p = 0.03; control, p = 0.04) and no significant differences between the two adhesives (p > 0.05). In the subjective analysis, the experimental adhesive showed a significantly longer effectiveness (p = 0.001), and the control reported better results in taste (p = 0.03) and in chewing (p = 0.001). The test adhesive showed better (p < 0.001) Candida albicans growth inhibition. The experimental adhesive showed longer effectiveness than the control and the placebo with a better inhibition capacity for the growth of Candida albicans. Patients reported better abilities for speech, chewing, taste, and retirement in the control adhesive.

Inhibition of Candida albicans growth by steeping freeze-dried robusta ground coffee

Coffee contains active compounds that alleged to have antifungal activity. This study aimed to analyze inhibitory effect of steeping freeze–dried Robusta ground coffee (SFDRGC) to the growth of oral microorganism Candida albicans (the main causative agent of oro-pharyngeal opportunistic infection). This is an in vitro experimental study using the post–test only control group design. Serial dilutions of SFDRGC were studied. An antifungal drug Nystatin was used as a positive control, and sterile distilled water as a negative control. The inhibitory effect was study by means of Agar well diffusionmethod. Result showed that SFDRGC demonstrated antifungal activity. The higher concentration of SFDRGC showed the higher antifungal activities significantly (P < 0.05). Concentration of 100% SFDRGC showed anti-candida activity as potent as Nystatin. In conclusion, 100% SFDRGC demonstrated a potent antifungal agent against C. albicans. This study suggested that coffee beverage might be used as anti-candida mouthwash to prevent the risk of oral opportunistic infection. Further studies, however are needed to confirm this notion, such as epidemiological, and phytochemical studies of antifungal bioactive components in coffee that are processed using various methods.Key words: Agar well diffusion method; antifungal; nystatin; opportunistic infection.

The effect of Aloe vera ethanol extract on the growth inhibition of Candida albicans.

Aim Candida albicans can cause two major types of infections: superficial infections (such as oral or vaginal candidiasis) as well as life-threatening systemic infections, and Aloe vera extract is one of the potentially useful therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to determine antifungal properties of Aloe vera ethanol extract on vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. Methods Aloe vera ethanol extract was prepared by the maceration method with 70% ethanol and dissolved in DMSO into multiple concentrations (6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, and 50%). Candida albicans was cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar for 72 hours and disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of each concentration in comparison with fluconazole. Zones of inhibition at 72 hours were measured and documented, then analysed to get the mean inhibition zone (MIZ). Results After 72 hours, all concentrations of Aloe vera ethanol extract showed inhibition effect against C. albicans with mean inhibition zones of each concentration, 12.450±0.208 mm (6.25%), 13.975±0.457 mm (12.5%), 15.650±0.420 mm (25%), and 17.225±0.512 mm (50%), respectively. Fluconazole revealed comparable antifungal effect with MIZ of 11.025±0.478 mm. Oneway ANOVA test showed a significant effect of Aloe vera ethanol extract on inhibition zone of Candida albicans growth (p<0.005). Conclusion Aloe vera ethanol extract possesses concentration dependent activity against Candida albicans that is comparable with standard antifungal agents.

Oxidative stress induced by piperine leads to apoptosis in Candida albicans.

Piperine inhibit Candida albicans growth (planktonic and biofilm) significantly in our study. Piperine exhibits excellent synergistic potential with fluconazole The proteome analysis suggests that piperine induced membrane damage leads to oxidative stress followed by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Antibacterial and antifungal impacts of combined silver, zinc oxide, and chitosan nanoparticles within tissue conditioners of complete dentures in vitro.

Tissue conditioners are suitable places for colonization of microorganisms. A combination of tissue conditioners with antibacterial and antifungal materials inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Here, we aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal effects of silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and chitosan nanoparticles on tissue conditioners in complete dentures. The growth of four microorganisms in six different concentrations of Ag, ZnO, and chitosan nanoparticles was investigated after 24 and 48h. Nanoparticles were synthesized using optical sequestration and approved by scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, and infrared (FT-IR) methods. Nanoparticles were combined at 0.5, 0.25, and 0.25 ratios (chitosan, Ag, and ZnO, respectively) with 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mass percentages. Tissue conditioners with nanoparticles were entered to test tubes containing microorganisms, and the growth rate was measured using the turbidity method by spectrophotometer after 24 and 48h of incubation at 37°C. Growth inhibition of Candida albicans occurred at 2.5% concentration. However, the growth inhibition of Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurred at 5% after both 24 and 48h. Also, the optimum nanoparticle concentration for Candida albicans was found to be 1.25% for both timings. On the other hand, the optimum nanoparticle concentration for Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 2.5% for both time scales. The combination of Ag, ZnO, and chitosan nanoparticles inhibited the growth of fungi and bacteria in tissue conditioners. These nanoparticles inhibited the growth of fungi more effectively than bacteria.

Talinum paniculatum: a plant with antifungal potential mitigates fluconazole-induced oxidative damage-mediated growth inhibition of Candida albicans

Aims: This study investigated the bioactivity of the crude leaf extract (CLE) and fractions hexane (HX) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) from Talinum paniculatum alone and in association with fluconazole (FLC) against reference strain and clinical isolates of FLC-resistant Candida albicans. Furthermore, the antioxidant capability, chemical composition of this plant, and the effect’s underlying mechanisms were evaluated. Methods: The antifungal activity was evaluated using checkerboard assay to establish the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentrations (MMC). During FLC and plant products challenges, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (hydroxyl radicals [HO•]) were detected in C. albicans cells using the membrane-permeable fluorescent probes APF and HPF. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profile, quantitative analysis of antioxidant compounds, and free radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay) tests were performed. Results: The CLE and fractions presented outstanding antifungal activity and selectivity against C. albicans cells but had no synergistic effects with FLC. The MIC values for CLE and its fractions against C. albicans reference strain were in the order of HX (31.25 μg ml–1) &lt; EtOAc (62.5 μg ml–1) &lt; CLE (500 μg ml–1), and against FLC-resistant C. albicans HX (125 μg ml–1) = EtOAc &lt; CLE (500 μg ml–1). CLE and its fractions had more potent antifungal activities than FLC against the clinical isolates. Moreover, fungicidal effects for these plant products were demonstrated against FLC-resistant C. albicans, which further confirmed an antifungal potential. Conversely, during association, plant products were shown to cause an increase in FLC MIC anywhere from 2- to 16-fold. FLC exposure led to an increase in the steady-state levels of ROS (HO•) in C. albicans cells. Next, we found that the increases in FLC MICs were owing to action of antioxidants containing-CLE and its fractions in preventing FLC-induced ROS-mediated growth inhibition of C. albicans. Conclusion: T. paniculatum can be a source of bioactive compounds with antifungal potential. However, because of the common use of its edible leaf, caution is advised during therapy with FLC (since it can decrease FLC susceptibility). 

Optimised production of an anti-fungal antibody in Solanaceae hairy roots to develop new formulations against Candida albicans

BackgroundInfections caused by fungi are often refractory to conventional therapies and urgently require the development of novel options, such as immunotherapy. To produce therapeutic antibodies, a plant-based expression platform is an attractive biotechnological strategy compared to mammalian cell cultures. In addition to whole plants, hairy roots (HR) cultures can be used, representing an expression system easy to build up, with indefinite growth while handled under containment conditions.ResultsIn this study the production in HR of a recombinant antibody, proved to be a good candidate for human immunotherapy against fungal infections, is reported. Expression and secretion of this antibody, in an engineered single chain (scFvFc) format, by HR from Nicotiana benthamiana and Solanum lycopersicum have been evaluated with the aim of directly using the deriving extract or culture medium against pathogenic fungi. Although both Solanaceae HR showed good expression levels (up to 68 mg/kg), an optimization of rhizosecretion was only obtained for N. benthamiana HR. A preliminary assessment to explain this result highlighted the fact that not only the presence of proteases, but also the chemical characteristics of the growth medium, can influence antibody yield, with implications on recombinant protein production in HR. Finally, the antifungal activity of scFvFc 2G8 antibody produced in N. benthamiana HR was evaluated in Candida albicans growth inhibition assays, evidencing encouraging results.ConclusionsProduction of this anti-fungal antibody in HR of N. benthamiana and S. lycopersicum elucidated factors affecting pharming in this system and allowed to obtain promising ready-to-use immunotherapeutics against C. albicans.

Synergistic effects of Iranian seaweed compounds for anticandidal properties and optimization by Response Surface Methodology

An optimization procedure was applied to the anticandicidal property investigation of four different Iranian seaweed extract composition. Response surface methodology (RSM) by the four levels- three factor Box–Behnken design, including Gracilaria arquata concentration (X1), Nizimudidnia zanardini concentration (X2), Cystoceria indica concentration (X3) and Padina australis concentration (X4), has been used to antiCandidal property screening. Results showed the coefficient determination (R2) was appropriate for the second-order model using multiple regression analysis. Concerning the anticandicidal property, the seaweeds extract composition of 10mg/ml Gracilaria arquata extract, 5mg/ml Nizimudinia zanardini extract, 4.5mg/ml Cystoceria indica extract and 2mg/ml Padina australis extract was found to be optimal. Under the optimized composition, the Candida albicans growth inhibition zone was 26.23 mm. The experimental yield was well matched with the predicted yield.