title: In vitro activity of terpenes against Candida albicans and ultrastructural alterations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro activity of terpene blends combined with tissue conditioner against Candida albicans and the effect on its morphology and sub-micro structure.
  
  
  METHODS
  The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of terpenes, obtained from a by-product of kraft pulping, was determined using broth microdilution against C. albicans strains, and the activity of terpenes combined with Coe-Comfort tissue conditioner was assessed. Cell morphologic alterations were evaluated using scanning electronic microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. Data was analyzed using Student's t test P < .05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The MIC of terpene blends fluctuated between 0.097% and 0.39% (v/v). Coe-Comfort tissue conditioner mixed with terpenes exhibited a total inhibition of C. albicans (P < .05). Terpenes induced ultrastructural alterations, even at the MIC value, including an increase in size, shape modification, cell wall damage with perforations, pronounced disconnection between cell wall and cytoplasm, and cytoplasmic vacuoles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Terpenes had pronounced effects against C. albicans alone and in combination with Coe-Comfort tissue conditioner, which mainly resulted in cell wall damage.
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Center, University of Concepción, Chile. Electronic address: Almartin@udec.cl.
authors.forename: Alejandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martínez
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Center, University of Concepción, Chile.
authors.forename: Ninón
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rojas
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Rehabilitation, College of Dentistry, University of Concepción, Chile.
authors.forename: Loreto
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: García
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Rehabilitation, College of Dentistry, University of Concepción, Chile.
authors.forename: Felipe
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: González
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, College of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Chile.
authors.forename: Mariana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Domínguez
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Rehabilitation, College of Dentistry, University of Concepción, Chile.
authors.forename: Alfonso
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Catalán
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000494:pharmacology; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002677:Chile; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D013729:Terpenes / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D010795:Phthalic Acids; D013729:Terpenes; C043685:Coe Comfort