(PhSe)2 and (pCl-PhSe)2 organochalcogen compounds inhibit Candida albicans adhesion to human endocervical (HeLa) cells and show anti-biofilm activities. Issue 2 (2nd March 2021) - da Silva, Bruna Marques
Abstract: Adhesion capacity on biological surfaces and biofilm formation is considered an important step in the infection process by Candida albicans. The ability of (PhSe)2 and ( p Cl-PhSe)2, two synthetic organic selenium (organochalcogen) compounds, to act on C. albicans virulence factors related to adhesion to human endocervical (HeLa) cell surfaces and their anti-biofilm activities was analyzed. Both organochalcogen compounds inhibited C. albicans adhesion to HeLa cells, dependent on compound concentrations. (PhSe)2 (at 20 µM; p = 0.0012) was significantly more effective than ( p Cl-PhSe)2 (at 20 µM; p = 0.0183) compared with the control. (PhSe)2 inhibited biofilm formation and decreased biofilm viability in both early and mature biofilms more efficiently than ( p Cl-PhSe)2 . Overall, the organochalcogen compounds, especially (PhSe)2, were demonstrated to be effective antifungal drugs against C. albicans virulence factors related to epithelial cell surface adhesion and the formation and viability of biofilms. Graphical Abstract: