Optimizing and tailoring cold atmospheric plasma parameters for C. albicans biofilms eradication.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the effect of applied voltage and treatment duration of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) against Candida albicans biofilms.

METHODS

We evaluated the effects of CAP input voltage and treatment duration on inhibition zones, biofilm viability and metabolism, cell membrane integrity, biofilm oxidative stress, biomass composition, and hyphal structure.

RESULTS

Higher applied voltages and longer treatment duration significantly reduced biofilm viability, with complete eradication was achieved after 3 min at 16 and 20 V, while longer exposure (5 min) was required at lower voltages (8 and 12 V). The results show a clear response relationship between CAP treatment parameters and biofilm eradication. The assessment of cell membrane integrity supports the results, as membrane damage increases with increasing treatment parameters. Biofilm oxidative stress increased with treatment duration and morphological examination shows contraction and compression of the hyphal structure. Molecular changes in biofilm biomass show significant changes in lipids, proteins and carbohydrates depending on CAP settings.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes the potential of optimal CAP treatment parameters as a promising approach to control C. albicans biofilms and highlights the complex dynamics of their effects on biofilm viability, morphology and composition.