In Vitro Models to Study Candida albicans Biofilms

Abstract

Biofilm is a common mode of fungal growth in clinical infection and Candida albicans is one of the species that are the most frequently associated with biofilm infection which has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. In the mode of biofilm, C. albicans tends to display high resistance to body immunity and antimicrobial agents. Models of C. albicans biofilms are very powerful tools that can help researchers to study and control biofilms-associated infection. Thus, there has long been interest in developing models of C. albicans biofilms. Here, we review recent studies that attempted to establish in vitro models of C. albicans biofilms. The studies of the mechanism of biofilm formation and its structure, and the susceptibility test of some antifungal agents have used the models to characterize the biofilms. Models of C. albicans biofilms do seem to reflect important aspects of fungal infection, and will likely provide critical insights into the molecular and organismic mechanisms as well as novel therapeutic interventions for Candida infection.