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Updated: Dec 2, 2025
Clarifying and Imaging Candida albicans Biofilms
Published on: March 6, 2020
In Situ Imaging of Candida albicans Hyphal Growth via Atomic Force Microscopy
Arzu Çolak1, Mélanie A C Ikeh2, Clarissa J Nobile3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Merced, Merced, California, USA.
Abstract:
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans known for its ability to cause a wide range of infections. One major virulence factor of C. albicans is its ability to form hyphae that can invade host tissues and cause disseminated infections. Here, we introduce a method based on atomic force microscopy to investigate C. albicans hyphae in situ on silicone elastomer substrates, focusing on the effects of temperature and antifungal drugs. Hyphal growth rates differ significantly for measurements performed at different physiologically relevant temperatures. Furthermore, it is found that fluconazole is more effective than caspofungin in suppressing hyphal growth. We also investigate the effects of antifungal drugs on the mechanical properties of hyphal cells. An increase in Young's modulus and a decrease in adhesion force are observed in hyphal cells subjected to caspofungin treatment. Young's moduli are not significantly affected following treatment with fluconazole; the adhesion force, however, increases. Overall, our results provide a direct means of observing the effects of environmental factors and antifungal drugs on C. albicans hyphal growth and mechanics with high spatial resolution.IMPORTANCECandida albicans is one of the most common pathogens of humans. One important virulence factor of C. albicans is its ability to form elongated hyphae that can invade host tissues and cause disseminated infections. Here, we show the effect of different physiologically relevant temperatures and common antifungal drugs on the growth and mechanical properties of C. albicans hyphae using atomic force microscopy. We demonstrate that minor temperature fluctuations within the normal range can have profound effects on hyphal cell growth and that different antifungal drugs impact hyphal cell stiffness and adhesion in different ways.
Insights
Atomic force microscopy reveals temperature and antifungal drugs significantly impact Candida albicans hyphal growth and mechanical properties. Fluconazole and caspofungin show differential effects on hyphal stiffness and adhesion.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Candida albicans is a major human fungal pathogen.
- Hyphal formation is a key virulence factor enabling tissue invasion and disseminated infections.
- Understanding hyphal behavior under various conditions is crucial for developing effective antifungal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply atomic force microscopy (AFM) for in situ investigation of Candida albicans hyphae.
- To assess the impact of physiologically relevant temperatures on hyphal growth rates.
- To evaluate the effects of fluconazole and caspofungin on hyphal growth and mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) for high-resolution imaging and mechanical property measurements.
- Cultured Candida albicans hyphae on silicone elastomer substrates.
- Applied varying temperatures and antifungal drug treatments (fluconazole, caspofungin).
Main Results:
- Hyphal growth rates varied significantly with temperature.
- Fluconazole was more effective than caspofungin in inhibiting hyphal growth.
- Caspofungin increased hyphal Young's modulus and decreased adhesion force.
- Fluconazole did not significantly alter Young's modulus but increased adhesion force.
Conclusions:
- AFM provides a direct method to observe environmental and drug effects on Candida albicans hyphae.
- Temperature fluctuations influence hyphal growth, highlighting environmental sensitivity.
- Antifungal drugs differentially affect hyphal mechanics, offering insights into drug resistance and efficacy.
