Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2022 Nov;65(11):684-691. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2022.00479.

In Vitro Studies on the Role of Zinc Oxide in the Development of Aspergillus Fumigatus Biofilm on Nasal Epithelial Cells

• Geum SY
• Park JW
• Park HJ
• Ye MK
• Shin SH

• KMID: 2536183
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2022.00479

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Fungal biofilm is commonly found in non-invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Previous endodontic maxillary teeth treatments have increased fungus ball development in the maxillary sinus. We sought to evaluate the effects of zinc oxide (ZnO), the main component of endodontic sealers, on developing the Aspergillus fumigatus biofilms on primary human nasal epithelial cells.
Subjects and Method
Primary human nasal epithelial cells were cultured with A. fumigatus spores with (1 and 3 µg/mL) or without ZnO for 72 h. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 levels in cultural supernatant were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. ZnO’s effects on the formation of A. fumigatus biofilm were determined using crystal violet, safranin, concanavalin A staining, and confocal scanning laser microscopy.
Results
IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-β1 protein levels in primary human nasal epithelial cells increased significantly by A. fumigatus exposure. During coculturing with ZnO and A. fumigatus, biofilm dry weight, crystal violet, safranin, and concanavalin A staining intensity increased with time. On the other hand, ZnO did not enhance A. fumigatus biofilm formation.
Conclusion
A. fumigatus biofilm formation increased in the presence of primary human nasal epithelial cells. However, in vitro study, ZnO alone did not influence or aggravate biofilm formation in sinonasal mucosa.

Keyword

Biofilms; Epithelial cells; Zinc oxide