Effects of 3'-sialyllactose, saliva, and colostrum on Candida albicans biofilms.

Abstract

Background: Faria et al. evaluated the initial adhesion and biofilm formation of Candida albicans in vitro in the presence of saliva, human colostrum, and 3'-sialyllactose. Colostrum applied either before or after inoculation with saliva did not differ from that of the control biofilms (p<0.05). In contrast, colostrum applied during C. albicans inoculation resulted in a higher biomass than the control (p<0.05). Saliva without colostrum decreased the biofilm biomass (p<0.05), and the application of 3'- sialyllactose reduced biofilm formation regardless of the timing of application (p<0.05). Candidiasis can present as localized or systemic infections. Disseminated infections in newborns and adults can be life-threatening, with high mortality and morbidity rates (40-60%), and rank as the fourth most common type of nosocomial infection. Oral candidiasis is a local condition affecting 10-15% of children in their first months of life. Saliva and 3'-sialyllactose can disrupt the initial development of Candida albicans biofilm. The effect of colostrum needs to be elucidated because it may hinder initial adhesion but promote fungal proliferation after application.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of saliva, human colostrum, and 3'-sialyllactose on the initial adhesion and biofilm formation of Candida albicans in vitro.

Methods: Colostrum and saliva samples were collected from 30 postpartum mothers and newborns, respectively. An 18h culture of C. albicans was treated with colostrum, 3'-sialyllactose, saliva, or a combination of colostrum and saliva at three different time points: before, during, and 24h after C. albicans inoculation. Biofilm assays were conducted in sterile 96-well flat-bottom microtiter plates for 24h. Biofilms were fixed, washed, stained with crystal violet, and extracted. Absorbance was measured to evaluate biofilm biomass.

Results: The combined application of colostrum and saliva before and after microbial inoculation did not differ from the control biofilms (p<0.05). In contrast, the combined application of colostrum and saliva during C. albicans application resulted in a higher biomass than the control (p<0.05). Saliva alone decreased the biofilm biomass (p<0.05), and the application of 3'-sialyllactose reduced biofilm formation regardless of the timing of application (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Saliva contributed to the proliferation of biofilms, while colostrum did not prevent initial adhesion but influenced biofilm accumulation and development. In contrast, 3'-sialyllactose significantly decreased biofilm formation at all application times. These findings underscore the importance of colostrum as a potent oral antimicrobial biofluid.