Membrane cell disruption of Candida albicans by Masoyi bark essential oil

Abstract

Essential oils distilled from the bark of Massoia aromatica Becc. (Masoyi) has been known from our previous research as a potential anti-candidiasis towards both planktonic and biofilm states. This study aims to determine Masoyi essential oil’s antifungal mechanism of action towards Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Observation of the antifungal mechanism towards C. albicans was performed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) following the Masoyi essential oil application in sub-minimum inhibition concentration, in comparison to untreated cells as the control. Considering that both planktonic and biofilm of C. albicans were influenced, the effect on farnesol production was also observed using thin layer chromatography of the microbial supernatant. Following SEM and TEM results, the effect on membrane permeability seems to play a role in the antifungal activity. To support the result, an experiment using influx Propidium Iodide Test was performed. TLC densitometry and GC-MS analysis showed that C-10 Massoialactone is a major constituent of Masoyi oil. Observation of C. albicans cells by using SEM showed cell shrinkage, which may be due to disruption in membrane cell permeability. TEM confirmed the membrane cell disruption, which causes cytoplasmic leakage. The result of the propidium iodide influx test confirmed the damage to membrane permeability. The decrease in farnesol production was observed, which may play a role in the antibiofilm activity of the essential oil.