Descrição
DNA has been described as a structural component of the extracellular matrix in
bacterial biofilms. However, in Candida albicans there is a scarce knowledge
concerning the contribution of extracellular DNA (ecDNA) to biofilm matrix and
overall structure.
The main objective of this work was to examine the effect of Deoxyribonuclease I
(DNase) treatment and the addition of exogenous DNA on C. albicans biofilm as
indicators of the role of ecDNA in biofilm structure and development.
Using a rapid and robust method (96-well plate model), the effect of DNase (ranging
from 0.02 to 2 mg/ml) and exogenous DNA (ranging from 10 to 2560 ng/ml) on biofilm
formation was examined at different stages of C. albicans biofilm development.
Specifically, standardized cell suspensions (100 μl of 1 × 106 cells/ml in RPMI) were
inoculated into 96-well microtitre plates and incubated for 0, 1, 2 and 24 h at 37°C
under static conditions. At 0-h (preincubation), DNase or exogenous DNA were added
to the standardized suspension. At 1-, 2- and 24-h of incubation the medium was
removed and adhered cells were washed with PBS. DNase or exogenous DNA working
solutions were then added to C. albicans sessile cells. The plates were incubated at 37
°C for additional 24 h. Biofilm biomass was evaluated by crystal violet assay.
The results of these experiments showed that DNase did not exhibit major effects on C.
albicans adherent cells at early time points of biofilm development. However, DNase
showed a general biomass reduction on C. albicans preformed biofilms, with the
reduction of absorbance at 550 nm compared with the control at DNase concentrations
higher than 0.03 mg/ml. The addition of exogenous DNA to C. albicans adhered cell
populations did not affect further biofilm development. In contrast, addition of
exogenous DNA, at concentrations higher than 160 ng/ml to preformed biofilms led to
an increase in biofilm biomass, as indicated by the higher levels of crystal violet
readings compared with control biofilms.
Thus, we present evidence of the role of ecDNA in C. albicans biofilm structure,
consistent with ecDNA being a key element of the ECM in mature C. albicans biofilms
and playing a predominant role in biofilm structural integrity and maintenance.