Imidazolium salts as antifungal agents: strong antibiofilm activity against multidrug-resistant Candida tropicalis isolates

The in vitro activity of the imidazolium salt C(16)MImCl against planktonic and biofilm cells of multidrug-resistant isolates of Candida tropicalis was evaluated, both in solution and applied on a commercial catheter surface. This was determined by inhibition and susceptibility assays of biofilm and planktonic cells. In both cases, C(16)MImCl prevented in vitro biofilm formation of C.tropicalis strains, including multidrug-resistant ones. Outstanding performances were observed, even at extremely low concentrations. Furthermore, this is the first report of the antifungal lock property of C(16)MImCl, using a tracheal catheter as the test specimen to mimic a clinical in vivo condition. As such, C(16)MImCl has been identified as a promising antimicotic pharmaceutical candidate for the treatment of candidiasis infections. Significance and Impact of the StudyThe imidazolium salt 1-n-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C(16)MImCl) strongly prevents, in concentrations as low as 0028gml(-1), the biofilm formation of multidrug-resistant Candida tropicalis isolates, either in solution or applied on the surface of commercial catheters. This presents an effective antimicotic candidate and alternative for invasive clinical procedure toolset asepsis.