Control of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus dual species interkingdom biofilm development via SAP5...

Microbial biofilms, particularly polymicrobial ones formed by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, exhibit increased resistance to conventional treatment. This study investigates the inhibitory effect of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid on Secreted Aspartyl Protease 5, a key virulence factor involved in hyphal development and biofilm formation in Candida albicans, to investigate its therapeutic potential in inhibiting polymicrobial biofilms developed with Staphylococcus aureus.

Biofilm formation was studied using a Biofilm Infection Simulator System and polymethylmethacrylate coupons. Biofilms were analyzed under untreated and 4-HPA-treated conditions. SAP5 proteinase activity on BSA was quantified in treated & un-treated cultures.

4-HPA treatment significantly restricted C. albicans hyphal growth, reducing S. aureus attachment. The biofilm decreased by over 78% in mono-species and 81% in polymicrobial cultures. The inhibition of SAP5 protease activity was 79% in mono-species and 65% in mixed cultures.

4-HPA effectively reduces biofilm formation and SAP5 activity, highlighting its potential as a biofilm-specific therapeutic for polymicrobial infections.