Effect of Pure Farnesol and Farnesol Binding to Nano-gel on Candida albicans Growth and Its Molecular Changing

Introduction and Objectives: Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a polymorphic fungus that can grow as budding yeast cells, pseudohyphae and true hyphae.in the first time of infection, C. albicans yeast cells colonize as biofilm.Farnesol is a Quorum Sensing Molecule (QSM) secreted in the biofilm formation process of C. albicans to prevent of hyphae formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pure and linked farnsol to muco-adhesive nano-gel chitosan (two forms) on the growth, germ tube formation and expression of HWP1 and SAP6 genes in C. albicans. Materials and Methods: The effects of two pure forms of farnasol on C. albicans were evaluated using colony counting and pour plate methods. Farnesol effect on biofilm and hyphal formation was evaluated by colorimetric assay and optical microscope, respectively. The expression of two HWP1 and SAP6 genes in C. albicans was evaluated using real-time PCR after exposure to farnesol. Results: The 300 μM farnesol has the highest inhibitory effect on C. albicans growth. Result of pour plate revealed lower zone of pure farensol-treated C. albicans growth versus to binding to nano-gel farnesol once (8.0 Vrs 11 mm). The results of colorimetric assay showed significantdecreaseon Candida biofilm formation in comparison to control group (P < 0.05). Decreased expression of HWP1 gene in farensol- treated C. albicnas was observed significantly. Conclusions: According to results,farnesol can be used as an antifungal agent in pharmaceutical compositions alone or bonded with other materials such as new structural carriers. According to the results of farnesol releasing from chitosan nano-gel, it can be said that by mass production of this substance in the future, it will be possible to take a new step in the production of antifungal agents.