Vanillin Inhibits Growth, Morphogenesis and Biofilm Formation byCandida albicans

Abstract

Vanillin, a major component of the vanilla is known to exhibit various antimicrobial properties including inhibition of bacterial biofilms. However, a systematic study on activities of vanillin against the most common fungal pathogen, Candida albicans, is lacking. In this study, broth micro dilution method was used to assess vanillin's activity on the planktonic growth of C. albicans. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was established at 1 mg ml -1 of vanillin. Prevention of yeast to hyphae morphogenesis was evident at 500 μg ml -1 of vanillin, in standard micro plate based assay. Adhesion, biofilm development and mature biofilms were studied in an in vitro biofilm model using XTT-metabolic assay and light microscopy. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in biofilm development was observed in presence of 500 μg ml -1 vanillin. Concentration dependent decrease of cellular ergosterol in presence of vanillin indicated that inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis may be a probable target. Our study, for the first time reveals vanillin as a potential inhibitor of biofilm formation by C. albicans.

Complex Analysis of Vanillin and Syringic Acid as Natural Antimicrobial Agents against Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilms

“…For the S. epidermidis strain 745, syringic acid had a similar effect at all three concentrations. Similar results for vanillin were observed in Hafnia alvei [38], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [39], and Candida albicans [40], in which biofilm formation was inhibited up to 80%. Syringic acid anti-biofilm and anti-QS potential have not previously been analyzed.…”

A status review on the medicinal properties of essential oils

“…Efficacy of essential oils and their components against drug resistant biofilms of C. albicans is of importance. These activities may be mediated through inhibition of membrane ergosterol and signalling pathways involved in yeast to hyphae morphogenesis (Agarwal et al, 2008;Raut et al, 2013bRaut et al, , 2013c. Essential oils also possess cell cycle inhibitory activities against C. albicans.…”

Evaluation of antifungal activity of vanilla pods silver nanoparticles against various oral candidal species: An in-vitro study

“…Concentration-dependent decrease of cellular ergosterol in the presence of vanillin indicated that inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis may be a probable target. [ 19 ] This was supported by our study wherein C. albicans exhibits a good zone of inhibition which is equivalent to that of ketoconazole.…”