A whole-cell Candida albicans assay for the detection of inhibitors towards fungal cell wall synthesis and assembly.

A whole-cell C. albicans screen was designed to identify novel inhibitors interacting with the synthesis, assembly and regulation of the fungal cell wall. C. albicans was grown in a paired broth assay in 96-well plates with natural product extracts or pure chemical compounds in the presence and absence of the osmotic stabilizer, sorbitol. Growth was visually examined over a 7-day period and scored into different growth categories. Positives from the sorbitol rescue were then examined under the microscope for morphological alterations and grouped into several morphological classes. Sorbitol protection and cell morphology were indicators of novel antifungal agents from natural product extracts and pure compounds.