The impact that β-citronellol isomers have on the biofilm formation of Candida yeasts

Abstract

Infections associated with biofilms developed by Candida spp. are becoming a great problem due to its resistance against the immune response of the host and the action of antifungal agents. Hence, finding substances that can inhibit the development of biofilms increases the likelihood that these compounds one day can become good antifungals applied in the clinic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-citronellol enantiomers on the biofilm formation by Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis isolated from bloodstream infections. Inhibition was evaluated by reading microplates treated with different concentrations of R-(+)-β-citronellol, S-(–)-β-citronellol and amphotericin B, compared to negative control, in spectrophotometer at 590 nm. All tested concentrations of β-citronellol enantiomers inhibited the biofilm formation of Candida. However, it is still necessary to evaluate the behavior of these isomers on mature biofilms, so that they can become more viable as antifungal therapeutical agents.

Keywords:

• Anti-biofilm activity
• β-citronellol
• Candida spp
• isomers

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors wish to thank the structural and financial support provided by the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).