Sensitivity of Candida albicans biofilm cells grown on denture acrylic to antifungal proteins and chlorhexidine

• Published in: Archives of oral biology 2009-06, Vol.54 (6), p.588-594
• Main Authors: Pusateri, Christopher R, Monaco, Edward A, Edgerton, Mira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acrylic Resins - chemistry; Advanced Basic Science; Anti-Infective Agents, Local - pharmacology; Antifungal Agents - pharmacology; beta-Defensins - pharmacology; Biofilm; Biofilms - drug effects; Biofilms - growth & development; Candida albicans; Candida albicans - drug effects; Candida albicans - growth & development; Cell Adhesion - drug effects; Chlorhexidine; Chlorhexidine - analogs & derivatives; Chlorhexidine - pharmacology; Colony Count, Microbial; Defensin; Dental Materials - chemistry; Dentistry; Denture acrylic; Denture Bases - microbiology; Histatin; Histatins - pharmacology; Humans; Materials Testing; Polymethyl Methacrylate - chemistry; Saliva - physiology; Surface Properties; Temperature; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0003-9969; 1879-1506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2009.01.016

Abstract Objectives Candida albicans cells form biofilms on polymeric surfaces of dentures and other prostheses introduced into the oral cavity. Many biofilm microorganisms exhibit resistance to antimicrobial agents; C. albicans cells may also develop resistance to naturally occurring antifungal peptides in human saliva including histatins (Hsts) and defensins (hBDs). Therefore, we evaluated Hst 5 activity on C. albicans biofilm cells compared to planktonic cells and measured whether surface treatment of denture acrylic with Hst 5, hBD-3, or chlorhexidine gluconate could inhibit in vitro biofilm development. Methods Acrylic disks were preconditioned with 500 μl saliva for 30 min, and inoculated with C. albicans cells (106 cells/ml) for 1 h, at 37 °C. Non-adherent cells were removed by washing and disks and were incubated in YPD growth medium for 24, 48, and 72 h at 37 °C. Candidacidal assays were performed on 48-h-biofilms and on planktonically grown cells using Hst 5 (15.5, 31.25, and 62 μM). Cell adhesion was compared on disks pre-coated with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate, 50 μM Hst 5, or 0.6 μM hBD-3 after 24, 48, and 72 h growth. Results No significant difference was observed in sensitivity to Hst 5 of biofilm cells compared to planktonic cells ( p > 0.05). Pre-coating disks with hBD-3 did not inhibit biofilm development; however, Hst 5 significantly inhibited biofilm development at 72 h, while 0.12% chlorhexidine significantly inhibited biofilm development at all time intervals ( p < 0.05). Conclusions C. albicans biofilm cells grown on denture acrylic are sensitive to killing by Hst 5. Surface coating acrylic with chlorhexidine or Hst 5 effectively inhibits biofilm growth and has potential therapeutic application.