Effect of farnesol on virulence factors of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the effect of different farnesol concentrations on a hydrolytic enzyme (proteinase, phospholipase and hemolytic) production by Candida albicans, on the lactic acid production by Streptococcus mutans, and on the ability to form single and mixed biofilms of those species. First, according to the microdilution method, it will determined the minimum inhibitory concentration of Farnesol capable of inhibiting the growth of each strain in the planktonic state. After, single and mixed biofilms of C. albicans and S. mutans will be formed (for 48 hours) in the presence of different farnesol concentrations within 96-wells microtiter plates. Subsequently, the enzymatic activity of proteinase phospholipase and hemolytic of C. albicans will be evaluated by using specific culture medium for each type of hydrolytic enzyme, while the lactic acid production by S. mutans will be measured by the Clinpro Cario L-Pop Kit. The effect of Farnesol on the biofilm formation ability will be quantified by counting the number of Culturable Cells (CFU), total biomass (crystal violet staining assay) and metabolic activity of the cells (XTT). Biofilm structure under treatment with farnesol will be visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Controls devoid Farnesol will be included in all analyzes, and all tests will be performed in triplicate on three different occasions. Data will be analyzed to employ the most appropriate statistical test. P < .05 will be considered statistically significant. (AU)