Innovative antifungal strategies: enhanced biofilm inhibition of Candida albicans by a modified tea tree oil formulation

Introduction Candida albicans is a significant human pathogen with the ability to form biofilms, a critical factor in its resistance to antifungal treatments. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal activity and biofilm inhibition potential of Tea Tree Oil (TTO) derived from Melaleuca alternifolia cultivated in Vietnam.Methods The antifungal activity of TTO was assessed by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC), Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC), and Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) using broth dilution methods. The experiments were conducted on C. albicans in both planktonic and biofilm states across concentrations ranging from 0.1 mu L/mL to 10 mu L/mL.Results TTO demonstrated significant antifungal efficacy, with a MIC of 0.1 mu L/mL (similar to 91.217 mu g/mL) and an MFC of 10 mu L/mL (similar to 9121.7 mu g/mL). It effectively inhibited biofilm formation with a recorded MBIC of 2 mu L/mL (similar to 1824.34 mu g/mL). However, MBEC values were not determinable as the concentrations tested did not achieve the eradication of more than 50% of mature biofilm within the experimental conditions.Discussion These findings highlight TTO as a promising natural antifungal agent with strong biofilm-inhibitory properties. However, its limited efficacy in eradicating mature biofilms underscores the need for further studies, potentially involving higher concentrations or synergistic combinations with conventional antifungal agents.