Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025
A Soluble Tetrazolium-Based Reduction Assay to Evaluate the Effect of Antibodies on Candida tropicalis Biofilms
Published on: September 16, 2022
Imidazolium Salts for Candida spp. Antibiofilm High-Density Polyethylene-Based Biomaterials
Clarissa Martins Leal Schrekker1, Yuri Clemente Andrade Sokolovicz2, Maria Grazia Raucci3
1Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite 500, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil.
Abstract:
The species of Candida present good capability to form fungal biofilms on polymeric surfaces and are related to several human diseases since many of the employed medical devices are designed using polymers, especially high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Herein, HDPE films containing 0; 0.125; 0.250 or 0.500 wt% of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C16MImCl) or its analog 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate (C16MImMeS) were obtained by melt blending and posteriorly mechanically pressurized into films. This approach resulted in more flexible and less brittle films, which impeded the Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis biofilm formation on their surfaces. The employed imidazolium salt (IS) concentrations did not present any significant cytotoxic effect, and the good cell adhesion/proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells on the HDPE-IS films indicated good biocompatibility. These outcomes combined with the absence of microscopic lesions in pig skin after contact with HDPE-IS films demonstrated their potential as biomaterials for the development of effective medical device tools that reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Insights
This study developed novel high-density polyethylene (HDPE) films incorporating imidazolium salts to prevent fungal biofilm formation. These biocompatible materials show promise for reducing medical device-associated fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Fungal biofilms, particularly from *Candida* species, readily form on polymeric medical devices, leading to infections.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a common polymer in medical device manufacturing.
- Preventing biofilm formation on implantable devices is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel HDPE-based biomaterials with antifungal biofilm properties.
- To evaluate the efficacy of imidazolium salts incorporated into HDPE films against *Candida* species.
- To assess the biocompatibility and safety of these modified HDPE films.
Main Methods:
- HDPE films were prepared by melt blending with varying concentrations (0–0.500 wt%) of two imidazolium salts: 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C16MImCl) and 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate (C16MImMeS).
- Films were characterized for mechanical properties and their ability to inhibit biofilm formation by *Candida albicans*, *C. parapsilosis*, and *C. tropicalis*.
- Cytotoxicity assays using human mesenchymal stem cells and *in vivo* testing on pig skin were conducted to evaluate biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- The incorporation of imidazolium salts improved film flexibility and reduced brittleness.
- HDPE films containing imidazolium salts significantly impeded the formation of *Candida* biofilms.
- No significant cytotoxic effects were observed at the employed concentrations, and films demonstrated good cell adhesion and proliferation.
- Absence of microscopic lesions on pig skin confirmed good biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- Modified HDPE films with imidazolium salts are effective in preventing fungal biofilm formation.
- These materials exhibit excellent biocompatibility, making them suitable for medical applications.
- The developed biomaterials hold potential for creating medical devices that minimize the risk of fungal infections.
