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Environmental pH modulates biofilm formation and matrix composition in Candida albicans and Candida glabrata
Bruna Gonçalves1, Liliana Fernandes1, Mariana Henriques1
1LIBRO - Biofilm Research Laboratory Rosário Oliveira, CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
Abstract:
Candida species are fungal opportunistic pathogens capable of colonizing and infecting various human anatomical sites, where they have to adapt to distinct niche-specific pH conditions. The aim of this study was to analyse the features of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata biofilms developed under neutral and vaginal acidic (pH 4) conditions. C. albicans produced thicker and more filamentous biofilms under neutral than under acidic conditions. On the other hand, the formation of biofilms by C. glabrata was potentiated by the acidic conditions suggesting the high adaptability of this species to the vaginal environment. In general, both species developed biofilms containing higher amounts of matrix components (protein and carbohydrate) under neutral than acidic conditions, although the opposite result was found for one C. glabrata strain. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the modulation of C. albicans and C. glabrata virulence by specific pH conditions.
Insights
Candida species adapt to different pH levels. Candida glabrata thrives in acidic vaginal conditions, forming robust biofilms, unlike Candida albicans which prefers neutral pH.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- * Fungal opportunistic pathogens, *Candida* species, colonize diverse human anatomical sites.
- * These fungi must adapt to specific pH conditions unique to each niche.
- * Understanding pH adaptation is crucial for managing *Candida* infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To analyze *Candida albicans* and *Candida glabrata* biofilm formation under neutral and acidic (pH 4) conditions.
- * To investigate the impact of pH on biofilm matrix composition.
- * To assess the adaptability of these species to the vaginal environment.
Main Methods:
- * Comparative analysis of *Candida* biofilms developed at neutral and acidic pH.
- * Microscopic and biochemical assessment of biofilm structure and matrix components.
- * Evaluation of species-specific responses to varying pH levels.
Main Results:
- * *Candida albicans* formed thicker, more filamentous biofilms at neutral pH compared to acidic conditions.
- * *Candida glabrata* biofilm formation was enhanced under acidic conditions, indicating high adaptability to the vaginal environment.
- * Generally, neutral pH promoted higher matrix component production (protein, carbohydrate) in biofilms, with exceptions noted for *C. glabrata*.
Conclusions:
- * pH significantly modulates the biofilm characteristics of *Candida albicans* and *Candida glabrata*.
- * *Candida glabrata* exhibits superior adaptation to acidic vaginal conditions compared to *Candida albicans*.
- * This study enhances understanding of *Candida* virulence factors influenced by pH, aiding in targeted therapeutic strategies.
