The Natural Anthraquinone Parietin Inactivates Candida tropicalis Biofilm by Photodynamic Mechanisms

Background: /Objectives: Parietin (PTN), a blue-light absorbing pigment from Teloschistes spp. lichens, exhibits photosensitizing properties via Type I (superoxide anion, O2•-) and Type II (singlet oxygen, 1O2) mechanism, inactivating bacteria in vitro after photo-stimulation. We evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of PTN against Candida tropicalis biofilms under actinic irradiation, its role in O2•- and 1O2 production, and the cellular stress response. Methods: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of PTN was determined in C. tropicalis NCPF 3111 under dark and actinic light conditions. Biofilm susceptibility was assessed at MIC/2, MIC, MICx2, MICx4 and MICx6 in the same conditions, and viability was measured by colony forming units. Photodynamic mechanisms were examined using Tiron (O2•- quencher) or sodium azide (1O2 scavenger). O2•- production was measured by the Nitro-Blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction and nitric oxide (NO) by Griess assay. Total antioxidant capacity was studied by FRAP (Ferrous Reduction Antioxidant Potency) assay and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by NBT assay. Results: Photo-stimulation of PTN reduced C. tropicalis biofilm viability by 4-logs at MICx2. Sodium azide partially reversed the effect, whereas Tiron fully inhibited it, indicating the critical role of O₂•⁻. PTN also increased O₂•⁻ and NO levels, enhancing SOD activity and FRAP. However, this antioxidant response was insufficient to prevent biofilm photoinactivation. Conclusions: Photoinactivation of C. tropicalis biofilms by PTN is primarily mediated by O2•-, with a minor contribution from ¹O₂ and an imbalance in NO levels. These findings suggest PTN as a promising photosensitizer for antifungal photodynamic therapy.