RESEARCH ARTICLE


Biofabricated Silver Nanoparticles Synergistically Activate Amphotericin B Against Mature Biofilm Forms of Candida Albicans



Shivkrupa D. Halbandge, Supriya P. Mortale, Sankunny Mohan Karuppayil*
DST-FIST & UGC-SAP Sponsored School of Life Sciences, SRTM University, (NAAC Accredited with ‘A’ Grade), Nanded, 431606, Maharashtra, India

Article Information


Identifiers and Pagination:

Year: 2017
Volume: 4
First Page: 1
Last Page: 16
Publisher Id: TONMJ-4-1
DOI: 10.2174/1875933501704010001

Article History:

Received Date: 27/04/2017
Revision Received Date: 27/07/2017
Acceptance Date: 10/08/2017
Electronic publication date: 30/09/2017
Collection year: 2017

© 2017 Halbandge et al.

open-access license: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0), a copy of which is available at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

* Address correspondence to this author at the Professor of Biotechnology and Director, School of Life Sciences, SRTM University, Nanded, Maharashtra 431 606, India, Tel: +91 24 6222 2154, +91 9764386253, Fax: +91 24 6222 9572; E-mail: prof.karuppayil@gmail.com


Abstract

Background:

Biofilm formation by Candida albicans is a significant clinical challenge. Fungal biofilms are resistant to most of the currently available antifungal agents. Amphotericin-B (AmB) is an antifungal agent used for the treatment of systematic fungal infections but it is well known for its toxicities and side-effects. Novel approaches are needed to treat these infections that can reduce its toxicities.

Objectives:

Current study aims to evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) alone and in combination with AmB against growth and biofilm formation in C. albicans.

Methods:

Combinations of SNP-AmB were tested against planktonic growth and biofilm formation in vitro. Micro broth dilution method was used to study planktonic growth and biofilm formation. The fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) were calculated by using a checkerboard format. Biofilm formation was analyzed by using XTT-metabolic assay.

Results:

MIC of AmB for developing biofilm was lowered by 16 fold in combination with SNPs. The calculated fractional inhibitory concentration indices were 0.1875 suggesting that this interaction is synergistic. Similarly, the mature biofilms were significantly prevented by SNPs-AmB combination. This interaction was synergistic. Furthermore, interaction between SNPs and AmB against planktonic growth was additive. Hemolytic activity assay was carried out on these drugs and combinations. Drug required for inhibition alone as well as in combination did not exhibit hemolytic activity.

Conclusion:

The combinations with SNPs lead to decreases in the dosage of AmB required for anti-Candida activity. SNPs-AmB combination could be an effective strategy against biofilm formed by C. albicans.

Keywords: Biofilm formation, Candida albicans, Combination, Synergy, Silver nanoparticles, Amphotericin-B.