Viability Kinetic Profile, Morphological Structure, and Physicochemical Characterization of Candida albicans Biofilm on Latex Silicone Surfaces
Derick Erl P. Sumalapao *
Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines and Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines and Biological Control Research Unit, Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Esperanza C. Cabrera
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Mary Jane C. Flores
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines and Biological Control Research Unit, Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
Divina M. Amalin
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines and Biological Control Research Unit, Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
Nelson R. Villarante
Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.
Marohren T. Altura
Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.
Nina G. Gloriani
Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Biofilm formed by Candida albicans on latex silicone surfaces was characterized by instrumental techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The growth and viability of C. albicans on the biofilm formed were described using different kinetic rate equations. C. albicans biofilm has a complex and heterogenous structure with hyphal elements and yeast cells entrenched within a polysaccharide matrix. Spectroscopic studies revealed specific stretching frequencies of O-H, C-O, and C=O which can be attributed to the presence of some functionalities in the biofilm formed by C. albicans. Viability of C. albicans behaved in accordance with the first-order kinetic equation on the first 48 h, then shifted to a second-order kinetic equation until the 72 h, and had a doubling time of 70 h. Information on model biofilms with emphasis on growth rates and morphogenesis, structural organization, and physicochemical characteristics can possibly explain resistance to some antifungal treatments and subsequent synthesis of newer generation drugs for fungal biofilm-related infections.
Keywords: Biofilm, Candida albicans, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, kinetic equations, latex silicone polymer.