Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research, DY Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
2
Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Medical Biotechnology Centre for Interdisciplinary Research D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur-416-006, Maharashtra, India.
10.22034/cmm.2025.345227.1531
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen with increasing drug resistance. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal potential and mechanisms of undecanal against C. albicans.
Materials and Methods: A range of quantitative techniques were employed, including minimum inhibitory concentration determination, cell cycle dynamics analysis, biofilm inhibition assays, microscopic observation of yeast-to-hyphal transitions, scanning electron microscopy of biofilm structures, ergosterol inhibition assays, and cell membrane damage assessment. Additionally, reactive oxygen species formation was quantified, gene expression studies were performed via qRT-PCR, and synergistic effects were evaluated using the checkerboard assay.
Results: Undecanal effectively inhibited planktonic growth, adhesion, yeast-to-hyphal transition, and biofilm formation at concentrations of 0.125 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 0.125 mg/ml, and 0.020 mg/ml, respectively, in C. albicans ATCC 90028 and ATCC 10231. In the C1 isolate, inhibition occurred at 0.5 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml, and 0.04 mg/ml. Reactive oxygen species accumulation led to oxidative stress and cell cycle arrest in all tested strains. Gene expression analysis revealed significant downregulation of virulence-related genes during biofilm formation, such as RAS1 (13.96-fold), PDE2 (1.40-fold), CEK1 (6.19-fold
), and TEC1 (8.55-fold). Stress-response genes, like SOD1, SOD2, CAP1, CAT1, and MCA1 were markedly upregulated in C. albicans ATCC 90028 following undecanal treatment. Undecanal also exhibited fungicidal properties. When combined with amphotericin B, synergistic activity was demonstrated with fractional inhibitory concentration indices between 0.062 and 0.048. Furthermore, undecanal exhibited minimal hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity at effective concentrations.
Conclusion: The results highlight the potential of undecanal as an antifungal agent. By targeting key virulence factors and enhancing the efficacy of existing antifungal agents, undecanal could serve as a foundation for new therapies against drug-resistant C. albicans.
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