In vitro activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) and Eucalyptus globulus essential oils on oral Candida biofilm formation on polymethylmethacrylate

Melaleuca alternifolia and Eucalyptus globulus essential oils are known for their antifungal activities and efficacy in the treatment of oral candidiasis. Candida biofilm increased resistance to antifungal agents that have activity against their planktonic cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of M. alternifolia and E. globulus essential oils in the inhibition of Candida biofilm formation on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The antifungal activity of M. alternifolia and E. globulus essential oils and adhesion and biofilm on PMMA inhibition capacity were tested on two oral Candida isolates and two reference type strains.  The biofilm formation by Candida strains was quantified by colorimetric method based on the reduction of the 2, 3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenyl amino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT). M. alternifolia and E. globulus essential oils were active against clinical and reference Candida albicans and Candida glabratastrains in their planktonic and adherent phases. In fact, both minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and 1/2 MIC values of these two plants essential oils can inhibit adhesion and biofilm formation of clinical and reference strains of Candida on PMMA. Also,E. globulus essential oil was more active on Candida biofilm formation on PMMA. M. alternifolia and E. globulus essential oils can inhibit Candida biofilm formation on PMMA. This may contribute to the use of these plants as alternative products for oral Candidabiofilm prevention, control and treatment.   Key words: Candida, biofilm, polymethylmethacrylate, Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus globulus.