Efficiency of gold nanoparticles coated with the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin against biofilm formation and development of Candida spp. clinical isolates

This article examines the use of a novel nano-system, gold nanoparticles coated with indolicidin (AuNPs-indolicidin), against pathogenic biofilms. species cause frequent infections owing to their ability to form biofilms, primarily on implant devices. We used an integrated approach, evaluating the effect of AuNPs-indolicidin on prevention and eradication of biofilms formed in multi-well polystyrene plates, with relative gene expression assays. Four biofilm-associated genes ( , , and , and and ) involved in efflux pump were analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Treatment with the nano-complex significantly inhibits the capacity of to form biofilms and impairs preformed mature biofilms. Treatment with AuNPs-indolicidin results in an increase in the kinetics of Rhodamine 6G efflux and a reduction in the expression of biofilm-related genes. These data provide a chance to develop novel therapies against nosocomially acquired refractory biofilms.