Control of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus dual species interkingdom biofilm development via SAP5 inhibition.

AIM: Microbial biofilms, particularly polymicrobial ones formed by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, exhibit increased resistance to conventional treatment. This study investigates the inhibitory effect of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid on Secreted Aspartyl Protease 5, a key virulence factor involved in hyphal development and biofilm formation in Candida albicans, to investigate its therapeutic potential in inhibiting polymicrobial biofilms developed with Staphylococcus aureus.

MATERIALS &

METHODS

Biofilm formation was studied using a Biofilm Infection Simulator System and polymethylmethacrylate coupons. Biofilms were analyzed under untreated and 4-HPA-treated conditions. SAP5 proteinase activity on BSA was quantified in treated & un-treated cultures.

RESULTS

4-HPA treatment significantly restricted C. albicans hyphal growth, reducing S. aureus attachment. The biofilm decreased by over 78% in mono-species and 81% in polymicrobial cultures. The inhibition of SAP5 protease activity was 79% in mono-species and 65% in mixed cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

4-HPA effectively reduces biofilm formation and SAP5 activity, highlighting its potential as a biofilm-specific therapeutic for polymicrobial infections.