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In vitro antibiofilm efficacy of farnesol against Candida species

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Abstract

Candida species are opportunistic fungi that can cause mucosal or invasive infections. Especially in biofilm-related infections, resistance is very high to anifungals; therefore more effective treatment strategies are needed. Farnesol(3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatriene-1-ol) is the quorum sensing (QS) signal molecule and can interact with Candida species both as a QS molecule and as an exogenous agent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of farnesol on both the planktonic and biofilm forms of Candida species by colorimetric, microbiological, and electron microscopic methods. Obtained results demonstrated the inhibitory effect of farnesol on the planktonic and biofilm forms of Candida. Farnesol showed a biofilm-enhancing effect at lower concentrations. TEM findings showed the membrane and wall damage, vacuolization, or granulation in cells. SEM images confirmed biofilm reduction in pre-/post-biofilm applications as a result of farnesol treatment. In conclusion, farnesol can be used as an alternative agent to reduce the Candida biofilms, with future studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechology and Biosafety, Institute of Life Science, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey

    Mihrinur Yapıcı

  2. Central Research Laboratory Application and Research Center, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey

    Bükay Yenice Gürsu & İlknur Dağ

  3. Vocational Health Services High School, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey

    İlknur Dağ

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  1. Mihrinur Yapıcı
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  2. Bükay Yenice Gürsu
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  3. İlknur Dağ
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Correspondence to Bükay Yenice Gürsu.

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Yapıcı, M., Gürsu, B.Y. & Dağ, İ. In vitro antibiofilm efficacy of farnesol against Candida species. Int Microbiol 24, 251–262 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10123-021-00162-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10123-021-00162-4

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