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Antimicrobial effects of microwave-induced plasma torch (MiniMIP) treatment on Candida albicans biofilms

Oliver Handorf1, Uta Schnabel1,2, André Bösel1

  • 1Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.

Microbial Biotechnology
|July 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Non-thermal plasma effectively reduces Candida albicans biofilm growth and viability. This microwave-induced plasma torch (MiniMIP) treatment offers a novel approach to combatting these resilient fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biophysics
  • Plasma Physics

Background:

  • Candida albicans biofilms are a significant challenge in healthcare settings due to their resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapies.
  • Developing novel strategies to eradicate or control these biofilms is crucial for preventing and treating infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of non-thermal plasma treatment against Candida albicans biofilms.
  • To assess the impact of plasma treatment on biofilm growth, survival, and cell viability.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro experiments using the Candida albicans strain SC5314.
  • Treatment with a microwave-induced plasma torch (MiniMIP) at varying time durations and a distance of 3 cm.
  • Analysis of biofilm morphology using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
  • Evaluation of cell viability and metabolism using fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

Main Results:

  • A significant reduction factor (RF = 2.97) was observed after 50 seconds of MiniMIP treatment.
  • Plasma treatment led to a 77% reduction in viability after 20 seconds and a 90% reduction in metabolism after 40 seconds.
  • Atomic force microscopy revealed altered cell morphology in treated biofilms.
  • Confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that cell inactivation primarily occurred on the bottom side of the biofilms.

Conclusions:

  • Non-thermal plasma treatment is a promising method for reducing Candida albicans biofilm viability and metabolism.
  • The study highlights the potential of plasma inactivation of overgrown biofilm surfaces as a novel strategy to combat biofilms.

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