The battle against biofilm infections: juglone loaded nanoparticles as an anticandidal agent

Abstract

In this study, juglone nanoparticles were prepared by single emulsion solvent evaporation method and their effect against Candida albicans biofilm was investigated in comparison with the free juglone and Fluconazole by performing XTT, crystal violet, standard plate count, confocal microscopy and membrane depolarization analyses. Juglone nanoparticles and free juglone were found to inhibit biofilm formation and pre-established biofilms (98-100%) at all doses tested, whereas Fluconazole did not cause a significant inhibition, even at the highest dose applied, especially against pre-established biofilms. Membrane depolarization analysis showed that free juglone and juglone loaded nanoparticles were effective on C. albicans membrane structure and have fluorescence quenching effect on DiSC(3)(5). It is extremely important that the antibiofilm activity of the juglone nanoparticles is similar to that of the juglone used at the same concentration, since similar effect is provided by using less active substance due to controlled release. Accordingly, it can easily be said that juglone loaded nanoparticles are much more effective in the formation and elimination of C. albicans biofilm than the free juglone and Fluconazole.