Fungal quorum-sensing molecules and antiseptics: A promising strategy for biofilm modulation?

New strategies to control fungal biofilms are essential, especially those that interfere in the biofilm organization process and cellular communication, known as quorum sensing. The effect of antiseptics and quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs) have been considered with regard to this; however, little has been elucidated, particularly because studies are often restricted to the action of antiseptics and QSMs against a few fungal genera. In this review, we discuss progress reported in the literature thus far and analyze, through in silico methods, 13 fungal QSMs with regard to their physicochemical, pharmacological, and toxicity properties, including their mutagenicity, tumorigenicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. From these in silico analyses, we highlight 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and tryptophol as having satisfactory properties and, thus, propose that these should be investigated further as antifungal agents. We also recommend future in vitro approaches to determine the association of QSMs with commonly used antiseptics as potential antibiofilm agents.

Automated summary

New strategies to control fungal biofilms, especially through interfering in quorum sensing, are crucial. However, little is known about the effect of antiseptics and quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs) due to limited studies on specific fungal genera. In this review, we analyze 13 fungal QSMs in silico and highlight 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and tryptophol as promising antifungal agents. We also recommend further in vitro studies on the association of QSMs with commonly used antiseptics as potential antibiofilm agents.