Aim: This work aimed to evaluate the activity of 3'-hydroxychalcone against Cryptococcus gattii in planktonic and biofilm forms and their toxicity using alternative animal models.
Materials & methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicide concentration were determined. Biofilm formation and the susceptibility tests were performed by the 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[carbonyl(phenylamino)]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide assay. Toxicity and efficacy were checked in Danio rerio and Galleria mellonella models.
Results: The compound 3'-hydroxychalcone showed fungicidal activity against C. gattii in both planktonic and biofilm forms. The toxicity in zebrafish embryos revealed a low lethal concentration. In G. mellonella, the compound did not show antifungal activity and larvae toxicity.
Conclusion: Because of the activity of 3'-hydroxychalcone against C. gattii in vitro, molecular modifications should be made to improve efficacy and to reduce toxicity in vivo. [Formula: see text].
Keywords: Galleria mellonella; antifungal; biofilm; chalcone; cryptococcosis; zebrafish.