(PhSe)2 and (pCl-PhSe)2 organochalcogen compounds inhibit Candida albicans adhesion to human endocervical (HeLa) cells and show anti-biofilm activities.

Adhesion capacity on biological surfaces and biofilm formation is considered an important step in the infection process by Candida albicans. The ability of (PhSe)2 and (pCl-PhSe)2, two synthetic organic selenium (organochalcogen) compounds, to act on C. albicans virulence factors related to adhesion to human endocervical (HeLa) cell surfaces and their anti-biofilm activities was analyzed. Both organochalcogen compounds inhibited C. albicans adhesion to HeLa cells, dependent on compound concentrations. (PhSe)2 (at 20 µM; p = 0.0012) was significantly more effective than (pCl-PhSe)2 (at 20 µM; p = 0.0183) compared with the control. (PhSe)2 inhibited biofilm formation and decreased biofilm viability in both early and mature biofilms more efficiently than (pCl-PhSe)2. Overall, the organochalcogen compounds, especially (PhSe)2, were demonstrated to be effective antifungal drugs against C. albicans virulence factors related to epithelial cell surface adhesion and the formation and viability of biofilms.