EFFICACY OF MASSOIA OIL IN COMBINATION WITH SOME INDONESIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS OILS AS ANTI-BIOFILM AGENT TOWARDS CANDIDA ALBICANS

Microbial resistance to antibiotics is often caused by biofilm formation of the microbial pathogen. One strategy used to combat this recalcitrance mechanism is by using the combination of antimicrobial drugs. Essential oils have evoked interest as sources of natural products and represent an alternative approach in combating microbial pathogen. The aim of the present work was to investigate the possible synergistic activity of Massoia aromatica oil in combination with Cinnamomum burmanii, Ocimum basilicum, Citrus hystrix and Piper betle oils against Candida albicans biofilm. Biofilm formation inhibition assay and biofilmdegradation assay of essential oils were determined using microtiter broth method. The Fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) of essential oils in combinations were calculated from the checkerboard assay. The synergistic activity was found in combination of M. aromatica oil with all the essential oil tested in inhibit the formation of intermediate stage of C. albicans bio-film. The interaction of M. aromatica oil with all the essential oil tested in inhibit the formation of mature stage of C. albicans biofilm were varied from synergistic to neutral, however, the activity of essential oils combination in breaking down the established biofilm were found to be less active. The results obtained clearly indicate that combinations of these oils are potential for enhancing their anti biofilm properties. This research could contribute to the development of new strategies to prevent and treat C. albicans biofilm infections.