title: Carbohydrate Derived Fulvic Acid: An in vitro Investigation of a Novel Membrane Active Antiseptic Agent Against Candida albicans Biofilms.
abstract: Carbohydrate derived fulvic acid (CHD-FA) is a heat stable low molecular weight, water soluble, cationic, colloidal material with proposed therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of CHD-FA against Candida albicans, and to characterize its mode of action. A panel of C. albicans isolates (n = 50) derived from a range of clinical specimens were grown planktonically and as biofilms, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations determined. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to examine ultrastructural changes and different cell membrane assays were used to determine its mode of action. In addition, the role of C. albicans biofilm resistance mechanisms were investigated to determine their effects on CHD-FA activity. CHD-FA was active against planktonic and sessile C. albicans at concentrations 0.125 and 0.25% respectively, and was shown to be fungicidal, acting through disruption of the cell membrane activity. Resistance mechanisms, including matrix, efflux, and stress, had a limited role upon CHD-FA activity. Overall, based on the promising in vitro spectrum of activity and minimal biofilm resistance of the natural and cheap antiseptic CHD-FA, further studies are required to determine its applicability for clinical use.
authors.affiliation: Infection and Immunity Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Leighann
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sherry
authors.forename: Anto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jose
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Owain
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Millington
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bagg
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ramage