Efficacy of Crude Extract from Streptomyces cellulosae Against Biofilm-Related Genes of Candida albicans

Abstract

Background: Candida albicans (C. albicans) is notably pathogenic due to its ability to form biofilms that are resistant to conventional antifungal treatments. Objectives: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of Streptomyces cellulosae (S. cellulosae) extract in disrupting biofilm formation by targeting specific genes within C. albicans. Methods: The study began by isolating S. cellulosae from soil and C. albicans from clinical specimens. S. cellulosae was then cultured and fermented to produce bioactive compounds. The ability of these extracts to inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation was tested using a crystal violet assay. Additionally, the effects of the S. cellulosae extracts on the expression of biofilm-related genes in C. albicans were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The growth rates of C. albicans were also measured to determine the impact of the extracts. Results: The crude extract of S. cellulosae significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the formation of C. albicans biofilms at concentrations exceeding 0.5 µg/mL, with the inhibition becoming more pronounced at concentrations above 2.0 µg/mL. The qRT-PCR results showed significant changes in the expression of biofilm-related genes ALS1, ALS3, and EFG1 at different extract concentrations (P < 0.05). The extract also significantly affected the expression of the HWPa and BRG1 genes. Conclusions: The crude extract of Streptomyces cellulosae shows potential as a novel antibiofilm agent against C. albicans. This finding opens new avenues for research and potential therapeutic applications in combating biofilm-associated infections.