Influence of ZnO nanoparticles on Candida albicans isolates biofilm formed on the urinary catheter

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO-np) solution in the surface catheter on C. albicans adhesion and biofilm formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 260 isolates from urinary catheter, 133 were determined as C. albicans by common phenotypic and genotyping methods. ZnO nanoparticles with 30 nm were made by the sol-gel method, which was confirmed by XRD (X-ray diffraction) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) methods. Candidal adhesion and biofilm assays were performed on catheter surfaces for 2 and 48 hours, respectively. The effect of sub-MIC (minimum inhibitory concentrations) and MIC concentrations of ZnO-np on biofilm formation was evaluated after 24 hours using Crystal violet (CV), colony-forming unit (CFU), and SEM. RESULTS: Out of 133 C. albicans isolates, 20 (15%) fluconazole-resistant and 113 (85%) susceptible isolates were determined by the disk diffusion method. Results showed that both isolates adhered to biofilm formation on the catheter surfaces. A significantly (P< 0.05) higher number of CFUs was evident in fluconazole-resistant biofilms compared to those formed by susceptible isolates. ZnO-np reduced biofilm biomass and CFUs of dual isolate biofilms (P< 0.05). ZnO nanoparticles had a significantly (P< 0.05) greater effect on reducing fluconazole-resistant C. albicans biofilm biomass compared to susceptible isolates. CONCLUSION: Zno-np exhibits inhibitory effects on biofilms of both isolates. These findings provide an important advantage of ZnO that may be useful in the treatment of catheter-related urinary tract infection.