Bacillomycin D and its combination with amphotericin B: promising antifungal compounds with powerful antibiofilm activity and wound‐healing potency

Abstract

Aims

In this study, we evaluated the ability of the lipopeptide bacillomycin D and the antifungal drug amphotericin B as well as their combination, to inhibit Candida albicans biofilm formation and to accelerate keratinocyte cell migration.

Methods and Results

The antibiofilm activity of bacillomycin D and its combination with amphotericin B was carried out by crystal violet colorimetric method. Our results have shown that, when combined together at low concentrations nontoxic to mammalian cells, corresponding to 1/32 MIC (0·39 μg ml⁻¹) and 1/4 MIC (0·06 μg ml⁻¹) for bacillomycin D and amphotericin B, respectively, a clear antibiofilm activity is manifested (95% inhibition of biofilm formation) along with a clear inhibition of germ tube formation. Moreover, the effect of both drugs on preformed biofilm of C. albicans strain was determined using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay. The combination of the two antifungal compounds at 0·39 and 1 μg ml⁻¹ for bacillomycin D and amphotericin B, respectively, resulted in a clear enhancement of biofilm eradication compared to the results obtained with each drug alone. Furthermore, this combination was found to promote the closure of a gap produced in a monolayer of human keratinocytes.

Conclusions

Bacillomycin D and its combination with amphotericin B display impressive anti‐biofilm and wound‐healing activities.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Application of the lipopeptide bacillomycin D and the antifungal drug amphotericin B in medical devices may offer a promising alternative for topical treatment of Candida‐associated infections in the setting of a wound.

amphotericin B, anti‐biofilm, bacillomycin D, Candida albicans, synergy, wound healing