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Virulence Factors in Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans Biofilms Mediated by Farnesol

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of farnesol on the production of acids and hydrolytic enzymes by biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. The present study also evaluated the time-kill curve and the effect of farnesol on matrix composition and structure of single-species and dual-species biofilms. Farnesol, at subinhibitory concentrations, showed a significant reduction in S. mutans biofilm acid production, but did not alter C. albicans hydrolytic enzyme production. The number of cultivable cells of both microorganisms was significantly reduced after 8 h of contact with farnesol. Extracellular matrix protein content was reduced for biofilms formed in the presence of farnesol. In addition, confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy displayed structural alterations in all biofilms treated with farnesol, which included reduction in viable cells and extracellular matrix. In conclusion, farnesol showed favorable properties controlling some virulence factors of S. mutans and C. albicans biofilms. These findings should stimulate further studies using this quorum-sensing molecule, combined with other drugs, to prevent or treat biofilm-associated oral diseases.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank George Duchow for the English review of the manuscript. This study was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, Grant Number 2013/23592-0), Brazil.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dentistry, University Center of Adamantina (UNIFAI), Adamantina, São Paulo, 17800-000, Brazil

    Renan Aparecido Fernandes

  2. Graduate Program in Dentistry (GPD - Master’s Degree), University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, 19050-920, Brazil

    Douglas Roberto Monteiro

  3. Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, São Paulo, 16015-050, Brazil

    Laís Salomão Arias & Alberto Carlos Botazzo Delbem

  4. Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, São Paulo, 16015-050, Brazil

    Gabriela Lopes Fernandes & Debora Barros Barbosa

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  1. Renan Aparecido Fernandes
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  2. Douglas Roberto Monteiro
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Correspondence to Debora Barros Barbosa.

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Fernandes, R.A., Monteiro, D.R., Arias, L.S. et al. Virulence Factors in Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans Biofilms Mediated by Farnesol. Indian J Microbiol 58, 138–145 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-018-0714-4

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