Growth Of Candida Albicans Research Articles

ANTI-FUNGAL ACTIVITY OF KELAKAI LEAF (Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.f) Bedd)

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. The Kenyah Dayak community in East Kalimantan often use kelakai leaf to treat fungal diseases. The plant contains tannins, flavonoids, steroids that have potential as antifungals. This study aimed to determine the antifungal activity of the ethanolic extract of Kelakai Leaf (Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.f.) Bedd). This research is a laboratory experimental research with post test only control group design. The research subjects used Candida albicans culture, with 7 treatment groups, namely ethanolic extract of kelakai leaf with concentrations of 5%, 15%, 25%, 35% 45%, as well as negative control DMSO and positive control used Fluconazole disc. Antifungal activity was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc method, based on the size of the clear zone that occurs. Data analysis using Oneway Anova parametric test. The result of this research is that the ethanolic extract of kelakai leaf can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans with an average inhibition zone of 5% (2.9 mm), 15% (5.4 mm), 25% (7.1 mm), 35% (7.7 mm), 45% (9.3mm). Oneway Anova statistical test results obtained p = 0.000. So it can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of the leaf of Kelakai (Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.f.) Bedd) have an antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Identification of bioactive agent in tinospora cordifolia by in- silico approach

Candida species cause most fungal infections and contribute significantly to worldwide morbidity and mortality, making them a severe public health threat. Due to their ability to develop resistance to antifungal drugs, these opportunistic fungi defy therapeutic efforts, making them a severe problem in treating and managing Candida infections. Due to co-infection with immune-compromised persons, multidrug-resistant Candida spp. strains have developed as a global concern, which can lead to invasive candidiasis. The life-threatening variant of the illness may be treated quickly and effectively through drug repurposing. Hence, this research was done in tandem with a previous inquiry into the chemicals' ability to fight Candida spp. According to molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies, a total of five compounds, namely Cholesterol, Allopyranose, Melezitose, 1,6-Anhydro-B-D-Glucofuranose, and 1-(3-Cyanophenly)-2-Phenylethane isolated from the sample (in previous study) have the potential to inhibit the growth of further Candida albicans. After ligand binding, the protein-ligand interaction was also studied to know which residues are involved in bond formation. Out of these five ligands, only one ligand violated Lipinski's rule, namely Melezitose. Therefore, the compounds isolated in the previous study have a strong antifungal effect.

Identification of bioactive agent in Tinospora cordifolia by a slice approach

Candida species cause most fungal infections and contribute significantly to worldwide morbidity and mortality, making them a severe public health threat. Due to their ability to develop resistance to antifungal drugs, these opportunistic fungi defy therapeutic efforts, making them a severe problem in treating and managing Candida infections. Due to co-infection with immune-compromised persons, multidrug-resistant Candida spp. strains have developed as a global concern, which can lead to invasive candidiasis. The life-threatening variant of the illness may be treated quickly and effectively through drug repurposing. Hence, this research was done in tandem with a previous inquiry into the chemicals' ability to fight Candida spp. According to molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies, a total of five compounds, namely Cholesterol, Allopyranose, Melezitose, 1,6-Anhydro-B-D-Glucofuranose, and 1-(3-Cyanophenly)-2-Phenylethane isolated from the sample (in previous study) have the potential to inhibit the growth of further Candida albicans. After ligand binding, the protein-ligand interaction was also studied to know which residues are involved in bond formation. Out of these five ligands, only one ligand violated Lipinski's rule, namely Melezitose. Therefore, the compounds isolated in the previous study have a strong antifungal effect.

Novasomes as Nano-Vesicular Carriers to Enhance Topical Delivery of Fluconazole: A New Approach to Treat Fungal Infections.

The occurrence of fungal infections has increased over the past two decades. It is observed that superficial fungal infections are treated by conventional dosage forms, which are incapable of treating deep infections due to the barrier activity possessed by the stratum corneum of the skin. This is why the need for a topical preparation with advanced penetration techniques has arisen. This research aimed to encapsulate fluconazole (FLZ) in a novasome in order to improve the topical delivery. The novasomes were prepared using the ethanol injection technique and characterized for percent entrapment efficiency (EE), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), drug release, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and antifungal activity. The FN7 formulation with 94.45% EE, 110 nm PS and −24 ZP proved to be the best formulation. The FN7 formulation showed a 96% release of FLZ in 8 h. FTIR showed the compatibility of FLZ with excipients and DSC studies confirmed the thermal stability of FLZ in the developed formulation. The FN7 formulation showed superior inhibition of the growth of Candida albicans compared to the FLZ suspension using a resazurin reduction assay, suggesting high efficacy in inhibiting fungal growth.

Inhibitory Effect of Nepeta Crispa L. and Nepeta Cataria Extracts on Candida Albicans Growth: An In-vitro Study

Background and Objectives Considering the existence of many medicinal plants in Iran and the high prevalence of oral candidiasis, the present study aims to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Nepeta crispa L. and Nepeta cataria extracts on Candida albicans growth. Subjects and Methods After preparing the extracts of two plants, their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) for C albicans were measured by broth microdilution method. The inhibitory effect of the extracts was evaluated by the disk diffusion method and measuring the diameter of inhibition zone. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 22. The significant level was set at 0.05. Results The MIC of N. crispa L. and N. cataria extracts was 1.1 and 2.4 μg/mL, respectively. Their MLC was 4 and 6 μg/mL, respectively. The highest inhibition zone diameter was for nystatin (21.31 mm), while the lowest diameter was for N. cataria extract (11.60 mm). No. significant difference was observed in the inhibition zone diameter between nystatin and N. crispa L. extract (P>0.05). Conclusion The inhibitory effect of N. crispa L. extract on the candida albicans growth is not significantly different from the effect of nystatin. Although N. cataria extract has inhibitory effect, its effect is significantly lower than the effect of nystatin.

Elucidating Pharmacological Activities of Volatile Chemotypes in Essential Oil of Morina longifolia

Morina longifolia(Himalayan Whorlflower) is a glabrous herb, found at an altitude of 3000 – 4000 m in the regions of Himalaya, Kashmir, and Bhutan. Previous reports have shown that the parts of this plant like leaves and flowers have been used for healing wound, improving digestion, and enhancing appetite. However, what compound or phytochemicals promote the medicinal use of this plant has not been elucidated and what other uses in medicine are also largely unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize phytochemicals in the essential oil of Morina longifolia using GC‐MS (gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry) and to evaluate their bioactivity against bacteria, fungi, and oxidants. The results obtained from the GC‐MS analysis identified 23 compounds, including α‐copaene (49.19%), caryophyllene (20.03%), δ‐cadinene (10.49%), and α‐humulen (4.10%), with higher concentrations in the plant essential oil. We found that essential oil at concentrations of 0.125 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL was able to control the growth of bacterial and fungal strains. Among the bacteria strains, Kocuria rhizophila(MTCC 1541), Micrococcus luteus(MTCC 1541) and Salmonella typhi(NCTC 786) were sensitive at high concentrations, as their growth was inhibited by oil at concentrations of 0.5 to 1%. The oil also inhibited the growth of fungal strains including Aspergillus niger(MTCC 1344) at a high concentration of 0.5 to 1%, while Candida albicans(MTCC 227) growth was inhibited at a low concentration of 0.125 to 0.250%. In addition, we found free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of M. longifolia essential oil which was in the range of 10.19 – 89.15%. Using ferric chloride (FeCl3) reducing method to access the reducing power activities of M. longifolia essential oil, our results revealed M. longifolia has more than 50% reduction potential at the concentration of 0.75 mg/ml and confirmed its antioxidant properties. Finally, a 0.50 mg/mL IC50 value was obtained indicating a scavenging of nitric acid activities, at 54.21%. The present study identified the significance of M. longifoliaand its potential use as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds which could act as an alternative against the menace of growing antibiotic resistance.

POTENSI BUNGA TELANG (Clitoria ternatea L) SEBAGAI Antifungi Candida albicans, Malasezia furfur, Pitosprorum ovale, dan Aspergilus fumigatus DENGAN METODE BIOTEKNOLOGI FERMENTASI KOMBUCHA

Telang flower has the potential to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, Malasezia furfur, Pitosporum ovale, and Aspergilus fumigatus through the kombucha fermentation biotechnology method. The purpose of this study was to determine the antifungal activity of telang flower kombucha at various concentrations of white sugar. The varying concentrations of granulated sugar used in this study were 20%, 30%, and 40% (w/v), each repeated 3 times. The positive control used was kombucha made from green tea. The negative control used was sterile distilled water. The well diffusion method is one of the methods used to test antifungal activity. The fementation of telang flower kombucha has overall antifungal activity. White sugar concentration of 40% kombucha telang flower was the best concentration in inhibiting the growth of fungi as a whole when compared to the concentration of white sugar kombucha telang flower of 20%, 30% and positive and negative controls.

Biofilm formation and cell viability on monolithic zirconia with silver-doped sodalime glass

The present study evaluated the effect of glass application with and without silver-doped soda-lime glass on roughness, biofilm formation, cell viability and flexural strength of a zirconia. Samples of 3-YTZP (3 mol% yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals) were divided into: polished (P); glaze (G); glass infiltration (INF); 4% silver-doped soda-lime glass (Ag4); glass infiltration + 4% silver-doped soda-lime glass (INF–Ag4); 5% silver-doped soda-lime glass (Ag5); glass infiltration + 5% silver-doped soda-lime glass (INF–Ag5). Samples were submitted to the following analyses: roughness (Ra); free surface energy (FSE); colony-forming units count (log CFU/mL); scanning electron microscopy (SEM); cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and flexural strength. Ag5 had greater roughness and FSE, but less biofilm adherence. In the CFU, silver-doped soda-lime glass groups inhibited the growth of Candida albicans, while the Ag5 inhibited Streptococcus mutans and none of the groups was effective against Streptococcus sanguinis. In the qualitative evaluation, lower number of colonies in the Ag5 grew up, compared to the control groups (P; G and INF) for both C. albicans and S. mutans. Regarding the MTT assay, the Ag4, INF–Ag4 and INF–Ag5 obtained percentage of cell viability greater than 50%. Ag5 showed lower flexural strength when compared to the control groups, while the application of glass infiltration increased the flexural strength by formation of a graded region between zirconia-glass. In conclusion, Ag5 had the greatest antimicrobial effect, Ag4 and INF–Ag4 were the less cytotoxic and the INF was the most resistant to fracture. Therefore, INF–Ag4 conciliates the best performance in terms of antimicrobial and mechanical properties for a 3-YTZP.

Probiotics for Oral Candidiasis: Critical Appraisal of the Evidence and a Path Forward.

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC) is a mucosal fungal infection that is prevalent among patients with compromised immunity. The success of probiotics in treating chronic diseases with a microbial etiology component at other mucosal sites (i.e., gastro-intestinal, genitourinary and alveolar mucosae) has inspired research into the use of probiotics in the treatment of OPC. A growing body of research in vitro and in animal models indicates that some probiotic species and strains have inhibitory activities against Candida albicans growth, morphological switching, and biofilm formation. However, recent review and meta-analysis studies reveal a dearth of human randomized, controlled clinical trials on the efficacy of probiotics to treat or prevent OPC, while the majority of these have not based their selection of probiotic strains or the type of administration on sound pre-clinical evidence. In this mini-review, we assess the state of the field, outline some of the difficulties in translating lab results to clinical efficacy, and make recommendations for future research needed in order to move the field forward.

In-vitro study of effect of incorporation of antifungal drugs upon growth of candida and surface hardness in permanent soft liners

Introduction: - Long term soft liners (acrylic and silicone based) are used to prevent damage to the abused mucosa, but they have the disadvantage of becoming porous with time leading to a suitable environment for opportunistic infections. This study was aimed to examine the inhibitory effect of incorporation of antifungal drug clotrimazole into long term denture soft liners on the growth of Candida albicans in vitro and evaluate the change in the surface hardness of soft liners.Materials and Method: The present study was done for two different long term soft liners, acrylic based (Permasoft) and silicone-based (Mollosil), by addition of clotrimazole drug in their minimum inhibitory concentration. The properties –zone of inhibition and surface hardness(Shore A) were evaluated at time intervals of 1,7,14,21,35 and 42days. A total of 224 samples were prepared. The properties were analyzed and inter group and intra group data was analyzed statistically by using One way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc-test and Paired t test.Result: The results showed significant creation of zone of inhibition for samples containing clotrimazole with the zone of inhibition decreasing with time. The surface hardness of all the samples increases with time.

Development of an eco-sustainable formulation against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans

The acidic niche of dental plaque can lead to caries expression over time. In this study, we attempted to design an eco-sustainable oral care formulation, and to determine its effect on caries-related pathogens in the presence and absence of lactic acid. We investigated the inhibitory effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) combined with sodium benzoate (NaB) on the growth of caries-related microorganisms (both bacteria and fungi). SAEW’s antimicrobial activity was significantly increased in the presence of lactic acid (4.0 log CFU/mL for Streptococcus mutans, and 5.31 log CFU/mL for Candida albicans). In the presence of lactic acid, 0.1% of NaB completely inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, while there was no significant inhibitory effect in the absence of lactic acid. The results showed that SAEW combined with NaB had high antimicrobial activity in the acidic environment but low efficacy in the normal niche. Thus, this combination may have fewer negative effects on oral microbiota diversity. This is the first study to investigate the possibility of SAEW as alternatives to alcohol-based oral hygiene products.

Anti-Fungal Activity Test of Sengkuang (Dracontomelon dao) Leaf Ethanol Extract on The Growth of Candida albicans

Candida albicans is an important opportunistic fungal pathogen that is responsible for the majority of fungal infections in humans. In healthy individuals, Candida colonizes mainly on the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity, digestive tract, skin and genitals. Dracontomelon dao or known as Sengkuang has been used as a traditional medicine for various diseases. Based on various studies, Dracontomelon dao extract is reported to exhibit antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to analyze the antifungal activity of the ethanol extract of sengkuang (Dracontomelon dao) leaves on the growth of Candida albicans. The study used 96% ethanol extract by macerating the simplicia leaves of Dracontomelon dao originating from South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The antifungal activity was tested by well diffusion method at various concentrations of the test extract (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%). The results showed that the average diameter of the inhibition zones at concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% 50% were 19.2 mm, 21.8 mm, 23.2 mm, 24.8 mm, 27 mm, respectively. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the ethanolic extract of sengkuang (Dracontomelon dao) leaves had antifungal properties against the growth of Candida albicans with the most effective concentration at a concentration of 50% with an average zone diameter of 27 mm. The content of phytochemical compounds from sengkuang leaf extract (Dracontomelon dao) are flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids. This secondary metabolite is thought to be able to inhibit the growth of the fungus Candida albicans. The ethanol extract of sengkuang leaves (Dracontomelon dao) has been shown to have antifungal activity in vitro so that it has the potential to be developed as an antifungal agent and can be a new solution in handling cases of Candida albicans infection.

Growth and Control of Catheter-related Bloodstream Infection Causing Bacteria in Nutrient Solutions

Among healthcare-associated infections, catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) shows a high case fatality rate and is serious threat. CRBSI are a problem to be eradicated. This study was conducted to reveal the growth characteristics of the causative microorganisms of CRBSI and investigate relevant control methods. The effects of biotin on growth of Candida albicans (C. albicans) in the nutrient solutions were investigated. Upon comparing general solutions and biotin-containing solutions, C. albicans showed auxotrophy against biotin, resulting in significant proliferative potential. CRBSI is caused by biofilm formation in the catheter lumen and subsequent proliferation. The effect of biotin on the colonization of C. albicans in the catheter lumen was evaluated. Candida albicans colonization in the catheter lumen and subsequent proliferation were significantly higher than those in control solutions. To investigate methods for CRBSI control, effects on pathogenic microorganisms were examined by screening for nutrient solutions with antimicrobial activity, using a catheter-lumen contamination model. A commercially available solution (PLAS-AMINO® injection; PA) containing the highest amount of sodium bisulfite was selected. Gram-positive or negative bacteria and C. albicans were used as the causative microorganisms of CRBSI in the study. Dripping PA into each catheter-lumen contamination model demonstrated bactericidal effects against all bacteria tested and strong growth-inhibitory effects on C. albicans. By using PA for contamination inside the catheter, sterilization and suppression of bacterial growth can be expected without having to remove central venous catheters and/or central venous access devices. This review provides valuable findings for the development of novel control methods for CRBSI.

Candida albicans biofilm formation and growth optimization for functional studies using response surface methodology.

Optimization of Candida albicans growth and biofilm formation is essential for understanding the recalcitrance of this pathogen to advance functional analysis on hospital tools and material surfaces. Optimization and quantification of biofilm have always been a challenge using the conventional one variable at a time (OVAT) method. The present study uses central composite design-based response surface methodology for optimization of conditions to induce growth and biofilm formation in Candida albicans on polystyrene microtiter plates. Statistical software package, Stat Soft®, STASTICA version 12.6 was used for data analysis. The variables considered in the design matrix were media pH, temperature, incubation period, shaker speed and inoculum size. A four-pronged quantification approach with XTT assay (cell viability), crystal violet assay (biofilm), calcofluor white assay and wet/dry weight measurements (cell mass) was used to understand different aspects of biofilm formation. Cell viability and cell mass were inversely related; however, biofilm was independent of these two factors. The study also highlighted the fact that foetal bovine serum does not significantly contribute to cell adhesion and in turn in vitro biofilm formation in some of the cultures. A high-throughput optimization of C. albicans growth and biofilm formation on polystyrene microplate has been developed and validated. This is a first time approach to optimize the interaction of parameters for C. albicans biofilm formation using RSM. Heterogeneity in growth conditions for local strains of C. albicans clinical isolates was observed. This microtiter plate-based method can be used for future screening of therapeutics for the control of C. albicans.

Benefits of freeze dried arabica coffee peels (Coffea arabica) as an oral antimicrobial

Background: Oral infections are currently treated with synthetic drugs, namely antimicrobials (antibiotics and antifungals) that can cause resistant bacteria, so alternative antimicrobials from herbal groups are needed. Arabica coffee peel contains phytoche-mical compounds (polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins) which have potential as natural antibacterial. Purpose:To examine the benefits of waste of arabica coffee rind in inhibiting growth of Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Candida albicans. Methods: This experimental laboratory with the post test only group design was started with making of freeze dried coffee peels 25%, 50% and 75%; positive control used chlorhexidine and nystatin. The antimicrobial test method was performed by the diffusion method and the growth of microbial colonies was calculated using a colony counter. Result: Antimicrobial effect increased at all concentration of test solutions to the three microbes. This shows that there is a strong positive relationship between concentration and the number of microbial colonies. The higher concentration of dried arabica coffee peels, the greater the effect of microbial killing power. The biggest effect is on C.albicans, P.gingivalis, S.mutans, consecutively. Conclusion: arabica coffee fruit skin can be used as an antimicrobial oral cavity against the growth of S.mutans, P.gingivalis and C.albicans.

Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans Biofilm Inhibitors Produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8724.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8724 inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans in mixed-species biofilm formation. In this study, bioactive compound including cyclo (leu-pro), cyclo (phe-pro), and some organic acids, such as 3-phenyllactic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, and palmitic acid, were identified through GC-MS analysis. At 50μg·mL-1, cyclo (leu-pro) reduced biofilm mass (OD600) from 3.00 to 2.00, and hydrocinnamic acid at 25μg·mL-1 reduced biofilm mass (OD600) from 3.00 to 1.00. The expression of ALS3 and HWP1 was downregulated by cyclo (leu-pro). Furthermore, a mixture of cyclo (leu-pro), cyclo (phe-pro), 3-phenyllactic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, and palmitic acid, had anti-biofilm activity. Overall, the results provide promising baseline information for the potential use of this probiotic and its components in preventing biofilm formation.

Streptococcus mutans suppresses filamentous growth of Candida albicans through secreting mutanocyclin, an unacylated tetramic acid

ABSTRACT Fungi and bacteria often co-exist and physically or chemically interact with each other in their natural niches. This inter-kingdom species interaction is exemplified by the gram-positive bacterial pathogen Streptococcus mutans and opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, which co-exist in the human mouth. It has been demonstrated that the dynamic interaction between these two species plays a critical role in their virulence and biofilm development. In this study, we discovered that S. mutans represses filamentous development and virulence in C. albicans through secreting a secondary metabolite, mutanocyclin (a tetramic acid). Mutanocyclin functions by regulating the PKA catabolic subunit Tpk2 and its preferential binding target Sfl1. Inactivation of Tpk2 in C. albicans results in an increased sensitivity to mutanocyclin, whereas overexpression of Tpk2 leads to an increased resistance. Dysfunction of SFL1 and its downstream target genes overrides the hyphal growth defect caused by mutanocyclin. Further investigation demonstrates that three glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (Spr1, Hyr4, and Iff8), associated with cell wall biogenesis and remodeling, and a set of filamentous regulators also contribute to the mutanocyclin response. We propose that both transcriptional regulation and cell wall composition contribute to mutanocyclin-mediated filamentous inhibition. This repressive effect of mutanocyclin could function as a natural regulator of filamentous development in C. albicans.

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.

The novel antifungal agent AB-22 displays in vitro activity against hyphal growth and biofilm formation in Candida albicans and potency for treating systemic candidiasis.

Systemic candidiasis, which is mainly caused by Candida albicans, is a serious acute fungal infection in the clinical setting. In a previous study, we reported that compound 22h (designated as AB-22 in this study), a vinyl sulfate compound, is a fast-acting fungicidal agent against a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens. In this study, we aimed to further analyze the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of AB-22 against filamentation, biofilm formation, and virulence of C. albicans. Under in vitro hyphal growth-inducing condition, AB-22 effectively inhibited germ tube formation and hyphal growth, which are required for the initiation of biofilm formation. Indeed, AB-22 significantly suppressed C. albicans biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, AB-22 treatment inhibited the normal induction of ALS3, HWP1, and ECE1, which are all required for hyphal transition in C. albicans. Furthermore, AB-22 treatment increased the survival of mice systemically infected with C. albicans. In conclusion, in addition to its fungicidal activity, AB-22 inhibits filamentation and biofilm formation in C. albicans, which could collectively contribute to its potent in vivo efficacy against systemic candidiasis.

Synthesis and characterization of new functionalized chitosan and its antimicrobial and in-vitro release behavior from topical gel

Recently, chitosan and its derivatives have been gaining more attention due to their high integration into various biomedical applications. Herein, a new chitosan derivative was prepared by linking the chitosan (Cs) with a novel heterocyclic compound, Benzoimidazolyl-thiadiazole (BzimTD) to form Cs-BzimTD. The synthesis of the new chitosan derivative was confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), thermogravimetric (TGA-DTG) analysis, elemental analysis, and UV–Visible spectrophotometer. Data showed the high efficacy of functionalized Cs-BzimTD to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, with inhibition zones of 15.3 ± 0.6 – 9.2 ± 0.3 mm. Also, Cs-BzimTD was applied in a topical gel formulation by using two different polymers, Carbopol 940 (CP) and Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) to form three gel formulations: Cs-BzimTD-CP, Cs-BzimTD-CMC, and Cs-BzimTD-CP-CMC. The new gels were checked for physical appearance, viscosity, Cs-BzimTD release, pH, spread-ability, and drug content. The results showed that all formulations were clear, transparent, and homogeneous with non-irritant pH values for skin (6.4 – 6.8). The spread-ability was found in the range of 7.1 – 9.4 g.cm/s. The Cs-BzimTD-CP formula showed the maximal Cs-BzimTD content percentage (86.5%) and the Cs-BzimTD release varied from 89.9 to 81.6% after 8 h depending on the gel formulation, with a maximum release achieved for Cs-BzimTD-CMC.