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Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device
Published on: December 14, 2017
Candida albicans biofilm development under increased temperature
Potjaman Pumeesat1, Watcharamat Muangkaew1, Sumate Ampawong2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Abstract:
C. albicans is one of the most important species of fungi known to produce biofilms on installed medical devices. The environment surrounding the fungi influences the development of the biofilm. Temperature is known to affect the yeast-to-hypha transition of C. albicans, but the impact of this factor on biofilm formation is still not understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of temperature (42°C versus 37°C) on the formation of C. albicans biofilms. Three reference C. albicans strains were used: SC 5314, ATCC 90028, and ATCC 96901. Biofilm development was monitored in a series of time intervals, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, and 48 h, at both 37°C and 42°C. Biofilm formation under each condition was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, crystal violet staining, and 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-(phenylamino)-carbonyl-2H-tetrazoliumhydroxide reduction assay. Our results demonstrated that at 42°C, tested strains of C. albicans could produce a biofilm, but the mass, thickness, and metabolic activity were lower than those of the biofilm formed at 37°C.
Insights
Candida albicans biofilms formed at 42°C showed reduced mass, thickness, and metabolic activity compared to those grown at 37°C. This temperature difference impacts fungal biofilm development on medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Medical Mycology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a significant fungal pathogen responsible for infections associated with medical devices.
- Biofilm formation by C. albicans is influenced by environmental factors, with temperature affecting its morphology.
- The precise impact of temperature on C. albicans biofilm development remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of two different temperatures (37°C and 42°C) on the formation of Candida albicans biofilms.
- To compare biofilm characteristics, including mass, thickness, and metabolic activity, under varying temperature conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three reference strains of Candida albicans (SC 5314, ATCC 90028, ATCC 96901).
- Monitored biofilm development over time (2, 4, 6, 8, 24, and 48 hours) at 37°C and 42°C.
- Assessed biofilm formation using scanning electron microscopy, crystal violet staining, and MTT reduction assays.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans strains formed biofilms at both 37°C and 42°C.
- Biofilms formed at 42°C exhibited significantly lower biomass, reduced thickness, and decreased metabolic activity compared to those formed at 37°C.
- Temperature significantly influences the structural integrity and metabolic function of C. albicans biofilms.
Conclusions:
- Elevated temperature (42°C) negatively impacts Candida albicans biofilm formation compared to standard physiological temperature (37°C).
- These findings highlight temperature as a critical environmental factor modulating C. albicans pathogenicity in the context of medical device-associated infections.
- Further research into temperature-dependent biofilm regulation could inform novel therapeutic strategies.
