Modification of surface properties of biomaterials influences the ability of Candida albicans to form biofilms.

Abstract

Candida albicans biofilms form on indwelling medical devices (e.g., denture acrylic or intravenous catheters) and are associated with both oral and invasive candidiasis. Here, we determined whether surface modifications of polyetherurethane (Elasthane 80A [E80A]), polycarbonateurethane, and poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (PET) can influence fungal biofilm formation. Polyurethanes were modified by adding 6% polyethylene oxide (6PEO), 6% fluorocarbon, or silicone, while the PET surface was modified to generate hydrophilic, hydrophobic, cationic, or anionic surfaces. Formation of biofilm was quantified by determining metabolic activity and total biomass (dry weight), while its architecture was analyzed by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). The metabolic activity of biofilm formed by C. albicans on 6PEO-E80A was significantly reduced (by 78%) compared to that of biofilm formed on the nonmodified E80A (optical densities of 0.054 +/- 0.020 and 0.24 +/- 0.10, respectively; P = 0.037). The total biomass of Candida biofilm formed on 6PEO-E80A was 74% lower than that on the nonmodified E80A surface (0.46 +/- 0.15 versus 1.76 +/- 0.32 mg, respectively; P = 0.003). Fungal cells were easily detached from the 6PEO-E80A surface, and we were unable to detect C. albicans biofilm on this surface by CSLM. All other surface modifications allowed formation of C. albicans biofilm, with some differences in thearchitecture. Correlation between contact angle and biofilm formation was observed for polyetherurethane substrates (r = 0.88) but not for PET biomaterials (r = -0.40). This study illustrates that surface modification is a viable approach for identifying surfaces that have antibiofilm characteristics. Investigations into the clinical utility of the identified surfaces are warranted.

• Authors: Jyotsna Chandra, Jasmine D Patel, Jian Li, Guangyin Zhou, Pranab K Mukherjee, Thomas S McCormick, James M Anderson, Mahmoud A Ghannoum
• Journal: Applied and environmental microbiology (Appl Environ Microbiol) Vol. 71 Issue 12 Pg. 8795-801 (Dec 2005) ISSN: 0099-2240 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16332875 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biocompatible Materials
• Fluorocarbons
• Polycarboxylate Cement
• Silicones
• polycarbonate
• Urethane
• Polyethylene Glycols

Topics

• Biocompatible Materials
• Biofilms
• Candida albicans (cytology, growth & development)
• Fluorocarbons
• Polycarboxylate Cement
• Polyethylene Glycols
• Silicones
• Surface Properties
• Urethane