Pomegranate sarcotesta lectin (PgTeL) inhibits planktonic growth and disrupts biofilm formed by Cryptococcus neoformans

Abstract

Abstract Aims We investigated the putative fungistatic and fungicidal activities of pomegranate sarcotesta lectin (PgTeL) against Cryptococcus neoformans B3501 (serotype D), specifically the ability of PgTeL to inhibit yeast capsule and biofilm formation in this strain. Methods and results PgTeL showed a minimum inhibitory concentration of 172.0 μg ml−1, at which it did not exhibit a fungicidal effect. PgTeL concentrations of 4.0–256.0 μg ml−1 reduced biofilm biomass by 31.0%–64.0%. Furthermore, 32.0–256.0 μg ml−1 PgTeL decreased the metabolic activity of the biofilm by 32.0%–93.0%. Scanning electron microscopy images clearly revealed disruption of the biofilm matrix. Moreover, PgTeL disrupted preformed biofilms. At concentrations of 8.0–256.0 μg ml−1, PgTeL reduced metabolic activity in C. neoformans by 36.0%–92.0%. However, PgTeL did not inhibit the ability of B3501 cells to form capsules under stress conditions. Conclusions PgTeL inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted preformed biofilms, demonstrating its potential for use as an anticryptococcal agent.