Development and architecture of Candida spp. biofilm developed on poly(methyl methacrylate) surface under influence of plasmatic and salivary proteins and fluconazole

• Grant number: 08/10226-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Effective date (Start): March 01, 2009
• Effective date (End): February 28, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Altair Antoninha Del Bel Cury
• Grantee: Wander José da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Candida spp. biofilms are responsible for the candidosis, an infection that occurs in removable prosthesis wearer's oral mucosa. Hydrolitics enzymes released in the presence of salivary and plasmatic proteins are responsible for the high virulence of these microbiology communities. Since biofilms are surrounding for a dense extracellular polysaccharide matrix, the permeability of antifungal to basal cell layers are difficult. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the Candida spp. biofilm development and structure regarding to the extracellular polysaccharide matrix in the presence of isolated salivary and plasmatic proteins and fluconazole. Biofilms of C. albicans and C. glabrata developed on the surface of poly(methyl methacrylate) resin will be evaluated regarding their morphology and activity. Morphologic analysis will be performed with Confocal laser scanning microscopy and COMSTAT, that will allow study the proportion and structure of cells and extracellular polysaccharide matrix. Transmission electronic microscopy also will be used in this purpose. Bioactivity of the biofilm will be evaluated by XTT mitochondrial reduction assay.