Inhibition of Secreted Aspartyl Proteinase Activity in Biofilms of Candida Species by Mycogenic Silver Nanoparticles

Candida species are pleomorphic, commensal fungi associated with candidiasis. The extracellular hydrolytic-secreted aspartyl proteinases are recognized as chief agents for pathogenesis of Candida species, involved in the degradation of proteins and adhesion during biofilm formation. This study aimed at exploring inhibitory effect of mycogenic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) against C. albicans and non-albicans' biofilm growth and aspartyl proteinase enzyme activity in-vitro. Biofilm forming, drug-resistant clinical isolates of C. albicans (n = 25) and non-albicans (n= 20) were assessed for their ability to reduce the metabolic and aspartyl proteinase activities using XTT assay and spectrophotometric analysis at different concentrations of mycogenic Ag NPs. After 24 h of incubation, significant reduction (>50%) in metabolic activity was observed with 100 ppm mycogenic Ag NPs. Incubation time has greater inhibitory effect against Candida spp. biofilms secreted aspartyl proteinase after treatment with 100 ppm mycogenic Ag NPs. Inhibition of secreted aspartyl proteinase by mycogenic Ag NPs provides an insight towards the mechanism for the treatment of Candida-associated infections involving biofilms-related infections.