Evaluation of electromagnetic field effects on the viability and structure of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans biofilms

Abstract

Biofilms formed by Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans contribute substantially to persistent oral infections due to their structural complexity, cooperative interactions, and high tolerance to antimicrobial agents. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have emerged as a promising non-chemical strategy to modulate microbial behavior; however, their effects on cross-kingdom biofilms remain poorly characterized. This study investigated the impact of low-frequency EMF exposure on biofilm biomass, cell viability, and morphological organization in single- and dual-species biofilms of C. albicans and S. mutans. A custom-built solenoid-based EMF system was calibrated to deliver a low-intensity alternating magnetic field (~ 105 mG; 50-60 Hz), ensuring non-contact exposure conditions. Biofilm biomass and cell viability were quantified using Crystal Violet (CV) and MTT assays, respectively, while structural changes were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). EMF exposure significantly reduced biomass and metabolic activity in single-species biofilms of both microorganisms (p < 0.05), whereas dual-species biofilms showed a non-significant reduction, indicating enhanced resilience through interspecies cooperation. SEM analysis revealed EMF-induced inhibition of hyphal and pseudohyphal development in C. albicans and disruption of S. mutans clustering and adherence. Moreover, the characteristic physical association between species in dual biofilms was absent under EMF treatment. These findings indicate that low-frequency EMF disrupts key morphological and structural features that support biofilm maturation, highlighting its potential as a non-chemical approach for modulating biofilm-associated pathogens.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

EMF exposure significantly reduced biomass and metabolic activity in single-species biofilms of both microorganisms (p < 0.05), while reductions in dual-species biofilms were not statistically significant. Microscopy showed inhibition of C. albicans hyphal and pseudohyphal development, disruption of S. mutans clustering and adherence, and absence of the characteristic physical association between species in treated dual-species biofilms.

Outcomes measured

• Biofilm biomass measured by Crystal Violet assay
• Cell viability/metabolic activity measured by MTT assay
• Biofilm morphology and structural organization assessed by scanning electron microscopy
• Candida albicans hyphal and pseudohyphal development
• Streptococcus mutans clustering and adherence
• Physical association between species in dual-species biofilms

Limitations

• Sample size and number of experimental replicates are not reported in the abstract.
• Exposure duration is not reported in the abstract.
• Effect sizes are not reported in the abstract.
• The study examines in vitro biofilms rather than clinical infection outcomes.

{
    "study_type": "in_vitro",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": "Custom-built solenoid delivering an alternating magnetic field of approximately 105 mG at 50–60 Hz",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Single- and dual-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Biofilm biomass measured by Crystal Violet assay",
        "Cell viability/metabolic activity measured by MTT assay",
        "Biofilm morphology and structural organization assessed by scanning electron microscopy",
        "Candida albicans hyphal and pseudohyphal development",
        "Streptococcus mutans clustering and adherence",
        "Physical association between species in dual-species biofilms"
    ],
    "main_findings": "EMF exposure significantly reduced biomass and metabolic activity in single-species biofilms of both microorganisms (p < 0.05), while reductions in dual-species biofilms were not statistically significant. Microscopy showed inhibition of C. albicans hyphal and pseudohyphal development, disruption of S. mutans clustering and adherence, and absence of the characteristic physical association between species in treated dual-species biofilms.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size and number of experimental replicates are not reported in the abstract.",
        "Exposure duration is not reported in the abstract.",
        "Effect sizes are not reported in the abstract.",
        "The study examines in vitro biofilms rather than clinical infection outcomes."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.95999999999999996447286321199499070644378662109375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields",
        "alternating magnetic field",
        "50–60 Hz",
        "Candida albicans",
        "Streptococcus mutans",
        "biofilms",
        "cross-kingdom biofilms",
        "biomass",
        "metabolic activity",
        "scanning electron microscopy"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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