In vitro method for studying the penetration of cinnamon oil and chlorhexidine through Candida albicans biofilm using Franz diffusion apparatus

Abstract

Biofilm extracellular polymeric substances can act as a barrier to antifungal agents reaching the target site of yeast cells in the basal layer which results in resistance to various antifungal drugs. The aim of this study was to use a Franz diffusion apparatus to investigate the penetration of cinnamon oil and chlorhexidine (CHX) in various combinations through a Candida albicans biofilm. This study demonstrated that 0.5% (w/v) CHX and in combination with cinnamon oil solution (8 μL/mL) penetrated the C. albicans biofilm. In addition, sessile C. albicans biofilms exposed to 0.5% (w/w) CHX and in combination with cinnamon oil (8 μL/mL) for 4 h resulted in log reductions. In conclusion, this in vitro method may be used to investigate the penetration of antimicrobial solutions through C. albicans biofilm qualitatively and quantitatively at timed intervals.

Keywords

• candida albicans
• biofilm penetration study
• chlorhexidine
• cinnamon oil
• franz diffusion apparatus