Abstract Description

Invasive fungal infections represent a significant global health threat largely due to their increasing resistant to conventional antifungal therapies. In light of this challenge researchers have been investigating the antifungal properties of fatty acids as potential alternatives that may mitigate resistance and reduce environmental impact. This study focuses on Thunbergia alata seed oil (a source of sapienic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid found in the human sebum). Lipids were extracted from commercially sourced T. alata seeds and analysis of the lipid profile confirmed that sapienic acid constitutes more than 80% of the total seed lipid content. The extracted lipid was evaluated for their ability to inhibits biofilm formation of Candida albicans and Candida auris and compared to crude high-oleic sunflower oil. Sunflower oil, known for its antifungal activity, served as a control to provide a baseline for assessing the unique antifungal potential of T. alata oil. Remarkably, T. alata lipids demonstrated ~60% inhibition of biofilm growth in both species at a concentration of 10% whereas the sunflower oil demonstrated ~40% inhibition. Significant morphological alterations in the yeast cells including shrinkage and structural irregularities were revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, when tested on macrophages, the lipid exhibited no toxicity and appeared to enhance macrophage activity. This study demonstrated T. alata oil can effectively inhibit biofilm formation without exhibiting toxic effects on macrophages, highlighting its potential as a novel, cost effective and environmentally sustainable antifungal agent.