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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device
Published on: December 14, 2017
Surface coatings with covalently attached anidulafungin and micafungin prevent Candida albicans biofilm formation
Javad Naderi1, Carla Giles1,2, Solmaz Saboohi1
1Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
Objectives:
Fungal biofilms caused by Candida spp. are a major contributor to infections originating from infected biomaterial implants. Since echinocandin-class molecules interfere with the integrity of the fungal cell wall, it was hypothesized that surface-immobilized anidulafungin and micafungin could play a role in preventing fungal adhesion and biofilm formation on surfaces.
Methods:
Anidulafungin and micafungin were covalently coupled to biomaterial surfaces and washed. Surface-sensitive instrumental analysis quantitatively and qualitatively confirmed their presence. Analysis after washing experiments provided evidence of their covalent immobilization. The in vitro antifungal properties of surfaces were confirmed using static biofilm assays and fluorescence microscopy kinetic studies.
Results:
Antifungal surface coatings eliminated 106 cfu/cm2 inoculations of Candida albicans and prevented biofilm formation and hyphal development on coated surfaces. Surfaces were successively exposed to fresh inoculum and were effective for at least five challenges in eliminating adherent yeasts.
Conclusions:
We have observed antifungal and anti-biofilm activity of surfaces bearing conjugated echinocandins, which operate through surface contact. The analytical and biological evidence suggests an antifungal mechanism for echinocandins that does not rely upon freely diffusing molecules.
Insights
Surface-bound echinocandins, anidulafungin and micafungin, effectively prevent Candida biofilms on biomaterials. This novel approach demonstrates antifungal activity through surface contact, not diffusion.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fungal biofilms from Candida species are a significant cause of biomaterial implant infections.
- Echinocandin drugs target the fungal cell wall, suggesting potential for surface-based antifungal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of surface-immobilized anidulafungin and micafungin in preventing Candida adhesion and biofilm formation.
- To explore the mechanism of action for surface-conjugated echinocandins.
Main Methods:
- Covalent coupling of anidulafungin and micafungin to biomaterial surfaces.
- Confirmation of successful immobilization using surface-sensitive instrumental analysis.
- In vitro assessment of antifungal properties via static biofilm assays and fluorescence microscopy.
Main Results:
- Antifungal surface coatings successfully eliminated Candida albicans inoculations (10^6 cfu/cm^2).
- Biofilm formation and hyphal development were prevented on coated surfaces.
- Surfaces maintained efficacy for at least five challenges, eliminating adherent yeasts.
Conclusions:
- Surfaces functionalized with conjugated echinocandins exhibit significant antifungal and anti-biofilm activity.
- The mechanism of action appears to be contact-dependent, not reliant on freely diffusing molecules.
- This study presents a promising strategy for preventing biomaterial-associated fungal infections.
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