Photoinactivation of Planktonic Cells, Pseudohyphae, and Biofilms of <i>Candida albicans</i> Sensitized by a Free-Base Chlorin and Its Metal Complexes with Zn(II) and Pd(II)

• Main Authors: Paula V. Cordero (Author), María G. Alvarez (Author), Edwin J. Gonzalez Lopez (Author), Daniel A. Heredia (Author), Edgardo N. Durantini (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Invasive candidiasis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, and its occurrence is increasing due to the growing complexity of patients. In particular, <i>Candida albicans</i> exhibits several virulence factors that facilitate yeast colonization in humans. In this sense, the photodynamic inactivation of yeasts is a promising new alternative to eliminate fungal infections. Herein, the photodynamic activity sensitized by a free-base chlorin (TPCF₁₆) and its complexes with Zn(II) (ZnTPCF₁₆) and Pd(II) (PdTPCF₁₆) was investigated in order to eliminate <i>C. albicans</i> under different forms of cell cultures. A decrease in cell survival of more than 5 log was found in planktonic cells incubated with 5 μM TPCF₁₆ or ZnTPCF₁₆ upon 15 min of white-light irradiation. The mechanism of action mainly involved a type II pathway in the inactivation of <i>C. albicans</i> cells. In addition, the photodynamic action induced by these chlorins was able to suppress the growth of <i>C. albicans</i> in a culture medium. These photosensitizers were also effective to photoinactivate <i>C. albicans</i> pseudohyphae suspended in PBS. Furthermore, the biofilms of <i>C. albicans</i> that incorporated the chlorins during the proliferation stage were completely eradicated using 5 μM TPCF₁₆ or ZnTPCF₁₆ after 60 min of light irradiation. The studies indicated that these chlorins are effective photosensitizing agents to eliminate <i>C. albicans</i> as planktonic cells, pseudohyphae, and biofilms.

Item Description

10.3390/antibiotics12010105
2079-6382