Biofilm production by the multidrug-resistant fungus <i>Candida haemulonii</i> is affected by aspartic peptidase inhibitor

<i>Candida haemulonii</i> is an emerging, opportunistic, and multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen. Recently, our group reported the ability of <i>C. haemulonii</i> to form biofilm and secrete aspartic-type peptidases (Saps). Herein, we investigated the correlation between Saps production and biofilm formation along <i>C. haemulonii</i> growth in yeast carbon base medium supplemented with albumin (a Sap-inducing condition) and in the presence of the classical Sap inhibitor pepstatin A. Under these conditions, the biofilm biomass increased on a polystyrene surface, reaching its maximum at 96 h, while maximum biofilm viability was detected at 48 h. The release of Saps during biofilm formation showed an inverse trend, with the highest enzymatic activity measured after 24 h. In the presence of pepstatin A, a significant reduction in biofilm parameters (biomass and viability), as well as in albumin consumption by biofilm-forming cells was detected. These findings underscore the importance of Saps during the biofilm development in <i>C. haemulonii</i>.