Deterrence in metabolic and biofilms forming activity of Candida species by mycogenic silver nanoparticles

Abstract

Candida, a commensal and opportunistic fungal pathogen has been typically known for its biofilm forming ability and device-associated hospital acquired infections in human. The study aimed at exploring the in vitro anti-biofilm and anti-metabolic activity of AgNPs against C. albicans (n = 2),C. tropicalis (n = 2) and C. parapsilosis (n = 2) isolated from urine samples. Broth dilution method revealed greater than 50% inhibition at 100 ppm against Ag NPs in 24 h. An overall reduction of 55-86% in biomass (crystal violet staining assay) and 20-73% in metabolic activity (XTT assay) was observed in 24 h old biofilms. However, C. albicans proved to be more susceptible to AgNPs compared to C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed patchy growth and deterrence in biofilm biomass when Ag NPs were coated on urinary catheter. Furthermore, viable cell counts of Candida were significantly reduced on AgNPs coated catheter compared to control.