Lactobacillus casei reduces the extracellular matrix components of fluconazole-susceptible Candida albicans biofilms

Abstract

Fluconazole-sensitive (CaS) and -resistant (CaR) C. albicans were grown as single-species and dual-species biofilms with Lactobacillus casei (Lc) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr). Single-species Lc and Lr were also evaluated. Biofilm analysis included viable plate counts, the extracellular matrix components, biomass, and structural organization. Lc reduced the viability of CaS, water-soluble polysaccharides, and eDNA in CaS + Lc biofilm. Lc biofilm presented more eDNA than CaS. The total biomass of CaS + Lc biofilm was higher than the single-species biofilms. The viability of Lc and Lr was reduced by CaR dual-species biofilms. The total and insoluble biomass in CaS + Lr was higher than in single-species CaS biofilms. Lc hindered the growth of CaS, and their association hampered matrix components linked to the structural integrity of the biofilm. These findings allow understanding of how the implementation of probiotics influences the growth of C. albicans biofilms and thereby helps with the development of novel approaches to control these biofilms.

KEYWORDS:

• Candida albicans
• Lactobacillus casei
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• biofilm extracellular matrix

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation [FAPESP # 2013/07276-1 (CePID CePOF) and 2014/50857-8 (INCT FAPESP)] and scholarships (FAPESP # 2014/18804-1 to B.H.D.P.). Additional financial support was provided by the Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement (CAPES—Finance Code 001; scholarship to L.M.D.) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq #PIBIC42848 to V.B.C.; and #PIBIC46891 to A.B.).