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

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. 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. 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. 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.