Exogenous fungal quorum sensing molecules inhibit planktonic cell growth and modulate filamentation and biofilm formation in the Sporothrix schenckii complex

Biofouling. 2020 Sep;36(8):909-921. doi: 10.1080/08927014.2020.1828373. Epub 2020 Oct 15.

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of the quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) farnesol, 2-phenylehtanol, tyrosol and tryptophol against planktonic cells, filamentation and biofilms of Sporothrix spp. The antifungal activity of QSMs was evaluated by broth microdilution. QSMs showed MICs in the ranges of 0.01-1 µM (farnesol), 1-8 mM (2-phenylehtanol and tyrosol), and >16 mM (tryptophol). Filamentous biofilm formation was inhibited by farnesol and 2-phenylehtanol and stimulated by tyrosol. Yeast biofilm formation was inhibited by 2-phenylehtanol and tyrosol. Tryptophol did not affect Sporothrix biofilm formation. QSMs showed MICs against mature biofilms of 8-32 µM (farnesol), 8-32 mM (2-phenylehtanol) and 64-128 mM (tyrosol). In conclusion, farnesol, 2-phenylethanol and tyrosol have antifungal activity against planktonic and sessile cells and modulate filamentation and biofilm formation in Sporothrix spp.

Keywords: 2-phenylethanol; Antifungal activity; Sporothrix; biofilm; farnesol; tryptophol; tyrosol.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Biofilms
  • Farnesol / pharmacology
  • Plankton
  • Quorum Sensing*
  • Sporothrix*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Farnesol

Supplementary concepts

  • Sporothrix schenckii