FTIR spectra reveal the inhibitory effects of Econazole nitrate cream on Candida Albicans biofilm

Candida albicans is a fungus that exists as a commensal constituent of the human microbiome and an opportunistic pathogen. Biofilm formation by this fungal pathogen frequently occurs in the mucosa or endothelium associated with candidiasis. Econazole nitrate is an antifungal cream commonly used to treat C. albicans infection, however, little is known about its mode of action against C. albicans biofilm. Therefore, the present study was performed to investigate the mode of action of econazole nitrate against C. albicans biofilm by determining the change in biochemical composition of the biofilm. Biofilm biomass and viability in the presence of econazole nitrate were assessed using crystal violet and resazurin assay, respectively. Biochemical composition of the biofilm was determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that econazole nitrate substantially inhibited the biomass (52% - 68%) and viability (10% - 16%) of C. albicans biofilm. Typical FTIR spectrum of C. albicans biofilm showed a total of 12 peaks in the range between 1800 cm−1 - 600 cm−1. Treatment with econazole nitrate was found to alter the FTIR spectral peaks at 625 cm−1 (O=C–N bending), 720 cm−1 (C=C bending), 762 cm−1 (C-H bending), 817 cm−1 (α-mannans), 920 cm−1 (C=C bending), 1017 cm−1 (β-glucans), 1220 cm−1 (PO2-asymmetric stretching), 1375 cm−1 (N-H bending vibration), 1465 cm−1 (C-C ring stretching), 1534 cm−1 (CONH bending), 1625 cm−1 (C=O stretching), and 1735 cm−1 (C=O stretching). Our findings suggest that econazole nitrate may inhibit C. albicans biofilm by modifying its biochemical composition.