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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Irreversible electropermeabilization of the human pathogen Candida albicans: an in-vitro experimental study
Vitalij Novickij1, Audrius Grainys, Jurgita Svediene
1High Magnetic Field Institute, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Naugarduko st. 41, 03227, Vilnius, Lithuania, vitalij.novickij@vgtu.lt.
Abstract:
Pathogenic fungi cause many life-threatening infections, especially among individuals with immune system dysfunction. The antifungal drugs commonly used to suppress fungal pathogens can result in long-lasting and toxic therapy. In this work, irreversible electropermeabilization was used to investigate the dynamics of the decrease in Candida albicans colony vitality after application of a pulsed electric field (PEF) and use of antifungal drugs. The fungi were subjected to single 250-µs to 2-ms (0.5-2.5 kV/cm) pulses or repeated short 5-µs pulses, and efficacy was compared. It was shown that electropermeabilization combined with antifungal agents results in rapid and more effective treatment, eliminating more than 90% of C. albicans colony-forming units in a single procedure, which is advantageous in biomedicine. It was also observed that, because of application of PEF and use of the antifungal agents, the Candida cells form cell aggregates and average live cell size is reduced by as much as 53%.
Insights
Pulsed electric field (PEF) combined with antifungal drugs offers a rapid and effective treatment against Candida albicans infections. This innovative approach eliminates over 90% of fungal cells in a single procedure, reducing toxicity and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pathogenic fungi, particularly Candida albicans, cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Current antifungal therapies are often toxic and prolonged.
- Novel treatment strategies are needed to combat fungal infections effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of irreversible electropermeabilization combined with antifungal drugs against Candida albicans.
- To compare the effectiveness of single versus repeated pulsed electric field (PEF) applications.
- To assess the impact of PEF and antifungal agents on fungal cell morphology and viability.
Main Methods:
- Irreversible electropermeabilization (PEF) was applied to Candida albicans colonies.
- Fungi were exposed to single pulses (250 µs–2 ms, 0.5–2.5 kV/cm) or repeated short pulses (5 µs).
- Combination therapy involved PEF and antifungal agents, with outcomes compared to PEF alone.
Main Results:
- The combination of PEF and antifungal agents eliminated over 90% of Candida albicans colony-forming units in a single procedure.
- PEF treatment, especially when combined with antifungal agents, led to rapid and effective fungal cell reduction.
- Candida cells formed aggregates, and average live cell size decreased by up to 53% due to the combined treatment.
Conclusions:
- Irreversible electropermeabilization combined with antifungal agents presents a promising, rapid, and highly effective therapeutic strategy for Candida albicans infections.
- This approach offers significant advantages in biomedicine by reducing treatment duration and potential toxicity.
- PEF treatment induces morphological changes in Candida cells, contributing to enhanced antifungal efficacy.
