Investigation of naturally derived compounds with antibiofilm activity against Candida albicans

Novel compounds from natural sources that can inhibit and eradicate Candida albicans biofilms were investigated. Four compounds (26.7%) inhibited 50% or more biofilm formation at a single dose out of fifteen compounds evaluated. Among them, three terpenoid derivatives (2, 4 and 6) did not show antifungal activity at the highest concentration used (MIC50 ≥ 500 µM). Compound 6 (jatrophone) stood out for its greatest inhibition potency (BIC50 = 64.36 ± 1.05 µM) and its ability to eradicate biofilms (BEC50 = 215.90 ± 1.07 µM). This compound also reduced the number of adherent cells, hyphae and pseudohyphae formed after exposure to BIC50 and BEC50. Thus, three terpenoid derivatives with antibiofilm activity and no antifungal activity were identified, with compound 6 (jatrophone) standing out as a promising natural lead compound for inhibition and eradication by interfering with adhesion and filamentation in the biofilm.