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Applied Sciences
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Research on Fungal Biofilm Formation and Drug Resistance
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Research on Fungal Biofilm Formation and Drug Resistance

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2026 | Viewed by 1077

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bruna Fernandes Gonçalves

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Gualtar Campus, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Interests: fungal infections (strong focus on vulvovaginal and blood candidiasis); epidemiology; diagnostic and prognostic techniques; innovative molecular therapies; Candida species; virulence and pathogenicity; resistance mechanisms; fungus–host interaction; host immune response; proteomic; transcriptomic; bioinformatics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Liliana Sousa Fernandes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Gualtar Campus, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Interests: Candida species (strong focus on antifungal resistant strains); antifungal drugs; alternative therapies; natural compounds; biofilms and other virulence factors; imaging and flow cytometry techniques; ex vivo and in vivo models; histological analyses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Fernanda Isabel Antunes Gomes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Gualtar Campus, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Interests: biofilms; polymicrobial infections; bacteria; Candida spp.

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will explore the intricate dynamics of fungal biofilms, which pose significant challenges in medical and industrial contexts due to their resilience and multifaceted mechanisms of drug resistance. This Special Issue will compile cutting-edge research that investigates the biochemical pathways, genetic factors, and environmental influences that contribute to the formation of fungal biofilms. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Mechanisms of biofilm formation: Investigations into the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors influencing the development of fungal biofilms.
  • Drug resistance mechanisms: Detailed studies on how biofilm-associated fungi exhibit heightened resistance to antifungal agents, including insights into metabolic adaptations and gene expression changes.
  • Clinical implications: Research highlighting the impacts of fungal biofilms on patient outcomes, including their role in chronic infections and the consequences for immunocompromised individuals.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies: Exploratory studies on innovative approaches for disrupting biofilms and enhancing the efficacy of antifungal therapies, including the use of combination therapies, biofilm-disrupting agents, and natural compounds.
  • Biological and environmental factors: Examinations of how host factors, microbial interactions, and environmental conditions influence fungal biofilm dynamics.
  • Technological advances: The development of new methodologies or technologies for studying fungal biofilms, including imaging techniques, bioinformatics approaches, and in vitro or in vivo models.

Original work highlighting the latest research and technical development is encouraged, but review papers and comparative studies are also welcome.

Dr. Bruna Fernandes Gonçalves
Dr. Liliana Sousa Fernandes
Dr. Fernanda Isabel Antunes Gomes
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • fungal virulence
  • fungal biofilms
  • biofilm dynamics
  • biofilm resistance
  • antifungal agents
  • antifungal resistance
  • fungus–host interaction

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 2108 KB  
Communication
Ex Vivo Model for Mimicking Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
by João Andrade, Cleison Leite, Fabiana Dantas, Mariely Prudêncio, Liliana Fernandes, Bruna Gonçalves and Kelly Oliveira
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2406; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052406 - 1 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 326
Abstract
Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a significant public health concern characterized by increasing incidence and challenges in treatment. However, most studies investigating Candida spp. virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility predominantly rely on in vitro assays. While these assays are highly reproducible, they do [...] Read more.
Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a significant public health concern characterized by increasing incidence and challenges in treatment. However, most studies investigating Candida spp. virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility predominantly rely on in vitro assays. While these assays are highly reproducible, they do not accurately replicate the complex vaginal microenvironment. To address this limitation, we developed an ex vivo model using porcine vaginal mucosa and a physiologically relevant volume of simulated vaginal fluid (SFV) to better mimic human vaginal conditions. Methods: Biofilm formation and fluconazole activity were assessed using the reference strain Candida albicans ATCC 90028 and two clinical isolates associated with VVC. Results were expressed as colony-forming units (CFU) and directly compared with in vitro assays conducted in Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) and SVF. Results: CFU analysis revealed that the ex vivo vaginal mucosa model supported more robust biofilm development, with counts ranging from 6.67 × 107 to 7.20 × 107 CFU/mL, compared to the in vitro SDB assay (3.58 × 107 to 4.5 × 107 CFU/mL). This suggests enhanced fungal growth under tissue-based conditions. Moreover, fluconazole achieved greater biofilm eradication in the ex vivo model (>70%) compared to the in vitro SDB assay (≤34.50%), which may indicate increased antifungal activity within a physiologically relevant environment. Conclusions: The ex vivo vaginal mucosa model offers a physiologically relevant platform for supporting C. albicans biofilm development and serves as a valuable alternative for preclinical screening of antifungal agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Fungal Biofilm Formation and Drug Resistance)
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14 pages, 1483 KB  
Article
In Vitro Synergistic Effects of Hinokitiol and Fluconazole Against Candida albicans
by Hideki Yoshimatsu, Keita Kano, Toshiro Yamamoto and Ryuhei Kanda
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 2126; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16042126 - 22 Feb 2026
Viewed by 284
Abstract
Background: Given the escalating resistance of Candida albicans biofilms to conventional antifungal agents, in this research, we evaluated the potential of combination therapy comprising hinokitiol (HNK) and fluconazole (FLZ), as an alternative, for combating biofilm-associated infections. Methods: To assess their synergistic effects, the [...] Read more.
Background: Given the escalating resistance of Candida albicans biofilms to conventional antifungal agents, in this research, we evaluated the potential of combination therapy comprising hinokitiol (HNK) and fluconazole (FLZ), as an alternative, for combating biofilm-associated infections. Methods: To assess their synergistic effects, the fractional inhibitory concentration index was calculated. The viability of biofilms and intracellular oxidative stress were quantified by XTT and reactive oxygen species assays. Structural integrity and viability were further investigated by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy; gene expression levels were measured by real-time fluorescence analysis. Results: Treatment with HNK combined with FLZ led to noticeable disruptions in the biofilm architecture of Candida albicans and resulted in significant modulation of multiple biofilm-associated genes, such as ALS3 and HWP1. The observed increase in oxidative stress, together with a marked decline in biofilm viability, provided strong support for a synergistic effect between the two compounds. Conclusions: The findings in this study revealed a potential synergistic effect between HNK and FLZ, with influences on fungal biofilm architecture and modulation of genetic pathways associated with biofilm development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Fungal Biofilm Formation and Drug Resistance)
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