Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device
11:14

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

Published on: December 14, 2017

Bioactivity and architecture of Candida albicans biofilms developed on poly(methyl methacrylate) resin surface

Wander José da Silva1, Jayampath Seneviratne, Lakshman Perera Samaranayake

  • 1Department of Prosthodontic and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials
|June 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Candida albicans biofilm development on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin depends on the specific strain and time, not surface properties. Different strains show distinct biofilm activity and architecture over 72 hours.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Dental Materials

Background:

  • Candida albicans is a common cause of biofilm-related infections.
  • Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is widely used in dental prosthetics.
  • Understanding C. albicans biofilm formation on PMMA is crucial for preventing infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the bioactivity and architecture of Candida albicans biofilms on PMMA.
  • To investigate the influence of PMMA surface properties on biofilm development.
  • To compare biofilm characteristics between different C. albicans strains over time.

Main Methods:

  • Surface roughness and surface free energy of PMMA were measured.
  • Two C. albicans strains (ATCC 90028 and SC5314) were used to form biofilms.
  • Biofilm bioactivity was assessed using the XTT reduction assay.
  • Biofilm topography and architecture were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy.

Main Results:

  • PMMA surface roughness and surface free energy did not influence biofilm development.
  • Significant differences in biofilm bioactivity were observed between the two C. albicans strains (P < 0.001).
  • Confocal microscopy revealed distinct biofilm architectures and developmental stages over 72 hours.

Conclusions:

  • C. albicans strain characteristics and biofilm development time are key factors influencing biofilm bioactivity and architecture on PMMA.
  • PMMA surface properties have a negligible impact on C. albicans biofilm formation.
  • Further research into strain-specific interactions could inform strategies for managing denture-related biofilm infections.

More Related Videos

Clarifying and Imaging Candida albicans Biofilms11:09

Clarifying and Imaging Candida albicans Biofilms

Published on: March 6, 2020

A Soluble Tetrazolium-Based Reduction Assay to Evaluate the Effect of Antibodies on Candida tropicalis Biofilms06:50

A Soluble Tetrazolium-Based Reduction Assay to Evaluate the Effect of Antibodies on Candida tropicalis Biofilms

Published on: September 16, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
Biofilms01:29

Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...