A whole-cell C. albicans screen was designed to identify novel inhibitors interacting with the synthesis, assembly and regulation of the fungal cell wall. C. albicans was grown in a paired broth assay in 96-well plates with natural product extracts or pure chemical compoundsin the presence and absence of the osmotic stabilizer, sorbitol. Growthwas visually examinedover a 7-day period and scored into different growth categories. Positives from the sorbitol rescue were then examined under the microscope for morphological alterations and grouped into several morphological classes. Sorbitol protection and cell morphology were indicators of novel antifungal agents from natural product extracts and pure compounds.

These results indicate that S and P hepatocytes cultured under the current conditions are appropriate for specific in vitro tests. Further characterization of endpoints should be conducted for a thorough understanding of the model's limitations.