Efficiency of gold nanoparticles coated with the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin against biofilm formation and development of Candida spp. clinical isolates.

Background: This article examines the use of a novel nano-system, gold nanoparticles coated with indolicidin (AuNPs-indolicidin), against pathogenic Candida albicans biofilms. Candida species cause frequent infections owing to their ability to form biofilms, primarily on implant devices.

Materials and methods: We used an integrated approach, evaluating the effect of AuNPs-indolicidin on prevention and eradication of Candida biofilms formed in multi-well polystyrene plates, with relative gene expression assays. Four biofilm-associated genes ( FG1 , HWP1 , ALS1 and ALS3 , and CDR1 and CDR2 ) involved in efflux pump were analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Treatment with the nano-complex significantly inhibits the capacity of C. albicans to form biofilms and impairs preformed mature biofilms. Treatment with AuNPs-indolicidin results in an increase in the kinetics of Rhodamine 6G efflux and a reduction in the expression of biofilm-related genes.

Conclusion: These data provide a chance to develop novel therapies against nosocomially acquired refractory C. albicans biofilms.