Exogenous Fungal Quorum Sensing Molecules Inhibit Planktonic Cell Growth And Modulate Filamentation And Biofilm Formation In Thesporothrix Schenckiicomplex

This study investigated the effect of the quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) farnesol, 2-phenylehtanol, tyrosol and tryptophol against planktonic cells, filamentation and biofilms ofSporothrixspp. The antifungal activity of QSMs was evaluated by broth microdilution. QSMs showed MICs in the ranges of 0.01-1 mu M (farnesol), 1-8 mM (2-phenylehtanol and tyrosol), and >16 mM (tryptophol). Filamentous biofilm formation was inhibited by farnesol and 2-phenylehtanol and stimulated by tyrosol. Yeast biofilm formation was inhibited by 2-phenylehtanol and tyrosol. Tryptophol did not affectSporothrixbiofilm formation. QSMs showed MICs against mature biofilms of 8-32 mu M (farnesol), 8-32 mM (2-phenylehtanol) and 64-128 mM (tyrosol). In conclusion, farnesol, 2-phenylethanol and tyrosol have antifungal activity against planktonic and sessile cells and modulate filamentation and biofilm formation inSporothrixspp.