Farnesol-Imprinted Nanospheres (FINs) as Quorum Sensing Modulators of Candida albicans Hyphae Formation

Abstract

Candida albicans (C. albicans) produces farnesol as a quorum sensing molecule that suppresses its filamentation. In this study, we synthesized farnesol-imprinted nanospheres (FINs) to investigate their impact on the morphogenic transition of C. albicans, a fungus known for its pathogenicity in superficial and systemic candidiasis. FINs, synthesized for this purpose, exhibited a significantly higher binding capacity for farnesol compared to control polymers, with a 6.5-fold increase observed. These polymers displayed a spherical morphology with diameters ranging from 500–700 nm. Treatment with FINs resulting in an increase in hyphae formation in C. albicans, indicating effective capture farnesol by the FINs. This increase in hyphae formation corresponded to a suppressed yeast form of the fungus. Consequently, FINs hold promise as a potential compound to mitigate the severity of disseminated candidiasis by depleting yeast forms. Interestingly, pre-incubated of FINs with 0.1 mM of farnesol led to a reduction in C. albicans filamentation. This finding suggests that FINs have the capability to adsorb and release farnesol. Therefore, FINs could serve as a delivery agent for farnesol, offering protection against C. albicans filamentation. Overall, the synthesis of FINs presents a promising approach to combating C. albicans infection, whether by reducing disseminated candidiasis or preventing fungal superficial localization.