"Characterization of a potentially new therapeutic gel for Candida albicans treatment"

Abstract

Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that is found in many parts of the human body, such as the mouth, throat, and gut, and is the most common cause of fungal infection in humans. While this fungus can exist without causing harm, under certain conditions, it can lead to infection, especially in wounds. Due to a current rise in antifungal resistance throughout the world, research on C. albicans is necessary for the development of new antifungal treatments. To aid in this effort, an antimicrobial gel (AMG) was formulated as a topical gel originally created for pain relief for shingles. Our research has found that AMG also exhibits antifungal properties that can interrupt the yeast-hyphal transition of C. albicans. This research aims to decipher the ability of AMG to inhibit or kill the growth of C. albicans. Through experimentation with four types of Candida (yeast form, hyphal form, wild type, and C. glabrata), inhibition can be demonstrated in both planktonic and biofilm growth. Additionally, it was found that AMG can restrict morphology, or in other words, lock C. albicans into the yeast form, which is the less aggressive and commensal form and not associated with infection like the hyphal form. This would allow the fungus to be avirulent and easier to treat or manage. AMG, in all, has shown to have potential as a new topical therapeutic option for Candida infections.

Start Time

16-4-2025 9:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 11:30 AM

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Category

Health

Student Type

Undergraduate Student

Faculty Mentor

Sean Fox

Faculty Department

Biomedical Health Sciences

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Apr 16th, 9:00 AM Apr 16th, 11:30 AM

"Characterization of a potentially new therapeutic gel for Candida albicans treatment"

Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that is found in many parts of the human body, such as the mouth, throat, and gut, and is the most common cause of fungal infection in humans. While this fungus can exist without causing harm, under certain conditions, it can lead to infection, especially in wounds. Due to a current rise in antifungal resistance throughout the world, research on C. albicans is necessary for the development of new antifungal treatments. To aid in this effort, an antimicrobial gel (AMG) was formulated as a topical gel originally created for pain relief for shingles. Our research has found that AMG also exhibits antifungal properties that can interrupt the yeast-hyphal transition of C. albicans. This research aims to decipher the ability of AMG to inhibit or kill the growth of C. albicans. Through experimentation with four types of Candida (yeast form, hyphal form, wild type, and C. glabrata), inhibition can be demonstrated in both planktonic and biofilm growth. Additionally, it was found that AMG can restrict morphology, or in other words, lock C. albicans into the yeast form, which is the less aggressive and commensal form and not associated with infection like the hyphal form. This would allow the fungus to be avirulent and easier to treat or manage. AMG, in all, has shown to have potential as a new topical therapeutic option for Candida infections.