A curcumin-sophorolipid nanocomplex inhibits Candida albicans filamentation and biofilm development

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that highly resistant to contemporary antifungals, due their biofilm lifestyle. The ability of C. invade human tissues its filamentation. Therefore, inhibition biofilms and filamentation the yeast are high value targets develop next-generation antifungals. Curcumin (CU) a natural polyphenol with excellent pharmacological attributes, but limitations such as poor solubility, acid, enzyme tolerance have impeded practical utility. Sophorolipids (SL) biologically-derived surfactants serve efficient carriers hydrophobic molecules curcumin into biofilms. Here, we synthesised curcumin-sophorolipid nanocomplex (CUSL), comprehensively evaluated effects on Our results demonstrated sub-inhibitory concentration CUSL (9.37 ?g/mL) significantly inhibited adhesion substrates, subsequent development, maturation, This effect was associated significant downregulation select group biofilm, adhesins, hyphal regulatory genes. In conclusion, potent inhibitor two major virulence attributes albicans, formation filamentation, thus highlighting promise putative anti-fungal agent penetrative potential.