Antimicrobial Activity of the Peptide C14R Against Ab Initio Growing and Preformed Biofilms of Candida albicans, C. auris and C. parapsilosis

Biofilms are the predominant lifestyle for microorganisms, contributing to over 80% of infections, including those caused by Candida species like C. albicans, C. auris, and C. parapsilosis. These species form biofilms on medical devices, making infections challenging to treat, especially with the rise of drug-resistant strains. Candida infections, particularly hospital-acquired ones, are a significant health threat due to their resistance to antifungals and the risk of developing systemic infections (i.e. sepsis). C14R, a classical pore-forming antimicrobial peptide (AMP), shows promising activities against both planktonic and biofilm forms of Candida. The 16-amino acid peptide disrupts cell membranes by integrating into lipid bilayers and forming pore-like structures. Studies demonstrate that C14R reduces the viability of C. albicans, C. auris, and C. parapsilosis, including clinical isolates. Here, we show that C14R not only inhibits biofilm growth, but also halts biofilm maturation and significantly reduces the biomass of preformed biofilms by over 70%. These findings suggest C14R could be an effective option for treating severe fungal infections, offering a potential new treatment approach for biofilm-related diseases. Further research is needed to fully understand its biofilm dispersal potential and to optimize its use for future applications as an antifungal in clinical settings.