Antifungal Activity of TiO2 nanoparticles and EDTA on Candida albicans Biofilms

Aim of Study: Bio lm of Candida albicans signify as a complex cellular congregation with major implication in pathogenicity. This kind of lifestyle of fungus as a biofilm can inhibit immune system function and antifungal therapy, thus complicates the treatment of infectious diseases, particularly in field of chronic infections associated with medical devices. In this study effects of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and Ethylene Diamine Tetra_Acetic Acid (EDTA) were evaluated on C. albicans biofilm by using the different techniques. Methods: TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized from precursor Titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4). To assay biofilm formation ability of yeast cells, C.albicans strains (ATCC10231 and ATCC76615) were grown in a at-bottom 96-well microtiter plates and antifungal effects of TiO2 and EDTA were evaluated on C.albicans biofilms using ATP bioluminescence and tetrazolium salt (XTT) reduction assays. Furthermore, morphology of biofilms after 48 h was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles and EDTA had effective antifungal properties at the concentration of 5.14, 8.09 μg/ml for fluconazole susceptible strain and 5.35, 11.33 μg/ml for fluconazole resistant strain of C.albicans biofilms compared to fluconazole drug (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Using TiO2 nanoparticles can be considered as a new agent in field of prevention of fungal biofilms especially biofilms formed on the surface of medical devices.