2-hydroxy-dibenzylideneacetone as a multifunctional coating inhibiting biofilm formation of Candida albicans.

Aim: Candida albicans emerges as an opportunistic fungus among nosocomial infections, which can include sepsis, bloodstream infections, and infections associated with medical devices. Therefore, we investigated the effectiveness of 2-hydroxy-dibenzylideneacetone, a monocarbonyl curcuminoid, as an antifouling coating against C. albicans.

Methods and results: Polystyrene (hydrophobic) and glass (hydrophilic) were used to study the influence of a curcuminoid coating on biofilm formation. Fourier-transform-infrared-spectroscopy spectra indicated a successful curcuminoid coating on both surfaces. Atomic-force-microscopy data showed that the curcuminoid coating on polystyrene decreased the adhesion strength of C. albicans but had minimal effect on glass. Hyphal growth, a key virulence factor, was significantly reduced on both coated surfaces. Biofilm formation was significantly reduced on coated polystyrene, but not on glass. Gene expression revealed downregulation of adhesion and biofilm-related genes (HWP1, ALS3, ALS5). Exposure of a 48-h biofilm to curcuminoid decreased the metabolic activity of the biofilm. The curcuminoid coating was biocompatible and non-cytotoxic against human oral keratinocytes and human gingival fibroblasts.

Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of a curcuminoid coating to prevent C. albicans adhesion, reduce hyphal and biofilm formation, and reduce metabolic activity of biofilms, highlighting its potential use as an antifouling coating against Candida-associated infections.