Antibiofilm activity of carboxymethyl chitosan on the biofilms of non-Candida albicans Candida species

Carbohydr Polym. 2016 Sep 20:149:77-82. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.04.101. Epub 2016 Apr 26.

Abstract

Although most cases of candidiasis have been attributed to Candida albicans, non-C. albicans Candida species have been isolated in increasing numbers in patients. In this study, we determined the inhibition of carboxymethyl chitosan (CM-chitosan) on single and mixed species biofilm of non-albicans Candida species, including Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Candida glabrata. Biofilm by all tested species in microtiter plates were inhibited nearly 70%. CM-chitosan inhibited mixed species biofilm in microtiter plates and also on medical materials surfaces. To investigate the mechanism, the effect of CM-chitosan on cell viability and biofilm growth was employed. CM-chitosan inhibited Candida planktonic growth as well as adhesion. Further biofilm formation was inhibited with CM-chitosan added at 90min, 12h or 24h after biofilm initiation. CM-chitosan was not only able to inhibit the metabolic activity of Candida cells, but was also active upon the establishment and the development of biofilms.

Keywords: Biofilm; Carboxymethyl chitosan; Non-Candida albicans Candida species.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Candida / cytology
  • Candida / drug effects*
  • Candida / physiology*
  • Cell Communication / drug effects
  • Chitosan / analogs & derivatives*
  • Chitosan / chemistry
  • Chitosan / pharmacology
  • Silicones / chemistry

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Silicones
  • carboxymethyl-chitosan
  • Chitosan