Adhesion and biofilm formation of Candida albicans to polymeric materials

Abstract text (incl. figure legends and references)

Introduction

Denture-related Candida stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa under removable dental prostheses, which is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Infections can lead to serious complications, including sepsis. An important aetiological factor in the development of this material-associated infection is the adhesion and biofilm formation of C. albicans on the polymeric surface. Other C. albicans virulence factors may also play a critical role in the progression and severity of the disease. For developing new strategies to reduce the incidence of denture-related Candida stomatitis, fungi-material-interactions require enhanced understanding.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the adhesion and biofilm formation of C. albicans on various polymeric materials and to analyze the expression of additional virulence factors.

Materials & Methods

Specimens of various polymeric materials with different surface properties were produced and their surfaces were analysed using different analytical methods including contact angle measurements and CLSM. In vitro experiments on adhesion and biofilm formation were conducted using different C. albicans strains. Adhesion, biofilm formation, and the expression of virulence factors were analysed using microscopic as well as various molecular biological methods (e.g. CLSM, qPCR) and correlated with the material and surface properties.

Results

C. albicans showed differences in adhesion behavior, biofilm formation, and the development of virulence factors depending on the materials` surface properties. Variances between the various C. albicans strains were also observed.

Conclusion

The results may provide a basis for further research on the interactions between denture materials and C. albicans strains to develop approaches to reduce C. albicans-related denture stomatitis.