Evaluation of the Effects of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma on Candida albicans Strains: An in vitro Study

Background: Antifungal resistance is increasing, posing a challenge for treating candidiasis. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a potential alternative, but its association with traditional antifungals is poorly understood. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on Candida albicans. Methods: In this in vitro study, C. albicans strains were irradiated with DBD plasma for 5, 10, and 15 minutes, both with and without nystatin. The number of colonies was counted, and the MTT method assessed Candida's survival. Data were analyzed with SPSS26. Results: This study showed that in both experimental groups, with and without nystatin, the lowest C. albicans cell viability was observed following a 10 minute DBD exposure within the groups subjected to plasma treatment (P < 0.001). The positive control group (nystatin without plasma exposure) exhibited a diminished count of viable cells in comparison to the group with 10 minute plasma irradiation without nystatin (P < 0.001). The 10 and 15 minute DBD plasma exposures, along with their positive control counterparts, demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in colony count compared to the 5 minute DBD exposure and the negative control groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Nystatin was more effective than DBD plasma irradiation in reducing C. albicans cell viability. When used in combination, 10 minute DBD plasma irradiation with nystatin was more effective than 5 or 15 minute irradiation times in reducing the survival rate of C. albicans.