Novel treatment approach against Candida spp.: evaluation of antifungal and antibiofilm In vitro activity of dendritic molecules

Abstract

Infections caused by the genus Candida are a serious threat, especially in the sanitary field. These pathogens are able to generate biofilms, which is one of the main problems because they are difficult to eradicate and are associated with a high mortality rate. These biofilms provide Candida species with increased resistance to health care drugs and disinfectants. Currently, the resistance to antifungals is increasing gradually and there are few drugs accepted for clinical use capable of combating them, and, unfortunately, these substances are sometimes toxic at the effective doses required. Therefore, finding new molecules capable of preventing the formation of biofilms or eradicating them once generated is of vital importance. In addition, it is essential to know the appropriate techniques to evaluate a new compound, guaranteeing reliable and precise data. Studies with dendritic systems of cationic nature are recently being carried out, presenting interesting and encouraging results as antimicrobials, against cells cancer cells, surface activating agents, and encapsulation of antibiotic, among others. In this chapter, we will focus on its antifungal capacity, especially its antibiofilm activity against Candida spp.