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Melaleuca alternifolia nanoparticles against Candida species biofilms
M E Souza1, L Q S Lopes1, P C Bonez2
1Laboratory of Microbiological Research, Centro Universitário Franciscano, Santa Maria, Brazil; Laboratory of Nanotechnology, Post Graduate Program of Nanosciences, Centro Universitário Franciscano, Santa Maria, Brazil.
Abstract:
Candida infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality on immunosuppressed patients. This growing trend has been associated with resistance to the antimicrobial therapy and the ability of microorganism to form biofilms. TTO oil is used as antimicrobial which shows antibiofilm activity against Candida species. However, it presents problems due to its poor solubility and high volatility. The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro antibiofilm activity of TTO nanoparticles against many Candida species. It was performed the characterization of the oil and nanoparticles. The levels of exopolysaccharides, proteins, and the biomass of biofilms were measured. The chromatographic profile demonstrated that the TTO oil is in accordance with ISO 4730 with major constituents of 41.9% Terpinen-4-ol, 20.1% of γ-Terpinene, 9,8% of α-Terpinene, and 6,0% of 1,8-Cineole. The TTO nanoparticles showed pH of 6.3, mean diameter of 158.2 ± 2 nm, polydispersion index of 0.213 ± 0.017, and zeta potential of -8.69 ± 0.80 mV. The addition of TTO and its nanoparticles represented a significant reduction of biofilm formed by all Candida species, as well as a reduction of proteins and exopolysaccharides levels. It was possible to visualize the reduction of biofilm in presence of TTO nanoparticles by Calcofluor White method.
Insights
Tea Tree Oil (TTO) nanoparticles effectively combat Candida biofilms, a significant challenge in immunosuppressed patients. This study demonstrates TTO nanoparticles reduce biofilm biomass and key components, offering a promising antimicrobial strategy.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Candida infections pose significant morbidity and mortality risks, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals.
- Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation by Candida species complicate treatment strategies.
- Tea Tree Oil (TTO) exhibits antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties but suffers from poor solubility and high volatility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antibiofilm activity of TTO nanoparticles against various Candida species.
- To characterize TTO oil and its derived nanoparticles.
- To quantify the impact of TTO nanoparticles on biofilm components and biomass.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of TTO oil composition (e.g., Terpinen-4-ol, Terpinene isomers, 1,8-Cineole) and TTO nanoparticles (pH, size, PDI, zeta potential).
- In vitro assessment of antibiofilm activity against multiple Candida species.
- Quantification of biofilm exopolysaccharides, proteins, and total biomass.
- Microscopic visualization of biofilm reduction using the Calcofluor White method.
Main Results:
- TTO oil composition confirmed adherence to ISO 4730 standards.
- TTO nanoparticles exhibited favorable characteristics (pH 6.3, size ~158 nm, PDI ~0.21, zeta potential ~-8.7 mV).
- Both TTO and TTO nanoparticles significantly reduced biofilm formation across all tested Candida species, decreasing protein and exopolysaccharide levels.
Conclusions:
- TTO nanoparticles demonstrate potent in vitro antibiofilm activity against diverse Candida species.
- Nanoparticle formulation overcomes TTO's limitations, enhancing its therapeutic potential.
- TTO nanoparticles represent a promising alternative for managing Candida biofilm infections, especially in vulnerable patient populations.
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