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Updated: Dec 27, 2025
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Characterization of the Dielectrophoretic Response of Different Candida Strains Using 3D Carbon Microelectrodes
Monsur Islam1,2, Devin Keck1, Jordon Gilmore1,3
1Multiscale Manufacturing Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
Abstract:
Bloodstream infection with Candida fungal cells remains one of the most life-threatening complications among hospitalized patients around the world. Although most of the cases are still due to Candida albicans, the rising incidence of infections caused by other Candida strains that may not respond to traditional anti-fungal treatments merits the development of a method for species-specific isolation of Candida. To this end, here we present the characterization of the dielectrophoresis (DEP) response of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis. We complement such characterization with a study of the Candida cells morphology. The Candida strains exhibited subtle differences in their morphology and dimensions. All the Candida strains exhibited positive DEP in the range 10-500 kHz, although the strength of the DEP response was different for each Candida strain at different frequencies. Only Candida tropicalis showed positive DEP at 750 kHz. The current results show potential for manipulation and enrichment of a specific Candida strain at specific DEP conditions towards aiding in the rapid identification of Candida strains to enable the effective and timely treatment of Candida infections.
Insights
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) separates Candida fungal strains based on their unique electrical responses. This method aids in rapid identification of bloodstream infection-causing Candida species for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Medical Mycology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Bloodstream infections caused by Candida species are a major global health concern.
- Increasing resistance to antifungal drugs necessitates rapid and accurate identification of Candida strains.
- Current diagnostic methods may not always differentiate species effectively, impacting treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the dielectrophoresis (DEP) response of key Candida species: Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis.
- To investigate the correlation between Candida cell morphology and their DEP behavior.
- To explore the potential of DEP for species-specific isolation and enrichment of Candida.
Main Methods:
- Dielectrophoresis (DEP) measurements were performed on Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis.
- Cell morphology and dimensions of the Candida strains were analyzed.
- DEP responses were assessed across a range of frequencies (10-750 kHz).
Main Results:
- Subtle differences in morphology and dimensions were observed among the Candida strains.
- All tested Candida strains exhibited positive DEP in the 10-500 kHz range, with varying strengths.
- Candida tropicalis uniquely showed positive DEP at 750 kHz, differentiating it from the other strains.
Conclusions:
- Dielectrophoresis presents a promising label-free technique for differentiating and isolating specific Candida species.
- DEP conditions can be optimized for the manipulation and enrichment of target Candida strains.
- This approach has the potential to significantly improve the speed and accuracy of Candida bloodstream infection diagnosis.
