fmb-2022-0053 supplementary figure 1

Introduction: Candida krusei and Candida albicans are biofilm-forming drug-resistant yeasts that cause

bloodstream infections that can lead to death. Materials & methods: nystatin and itraconazole were

combined with two synthetic peptides, PepGAT and PepKAA, to evaluate the synergistic effect against

Candida biofilms. Additionally, scanning electron and fluorescence microscopies were employed to

understand the mechanism behind the synergistic activity. Results: Peptides enhanced the action of drugs

to inhibit the biofilm formation of C. krusei and C. albicans and the degradation of mature biofilms of

C. krusei. In combination with antifungal drugs, peptides’ mechanism of action involved cell wall and

membrane damage and overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, in combination, the

peptides reduced the toxicity of drugs to red blood cells. Conclusion: These results reveal that the synthetic

peptides enhanced the antibiofilm activity of drugs, in addition to reducing their toxicity. Thus, these

peptides have strong potential as adjuvants and to decrease the toxicity of drugs.