Researcher at Carnegie Mellon University Tagbo H. R. Niepa and Phd Student Camila Cué Royo, , have developed an electrochemical therapy (ECT) that disrupts the cell walls of the drug-resistant yeast Candida auris, enhancing the efficacy of existing antifungal treatments. This approach addresses the growing concern of multidrug-resistant infections in healthcare settings.
Cué Royo, C. S., Landis, C., Geraghty, M., Balmuri, S. R., & Niepa, T. H. R. (2025). Low-level direct currents eradicate multi-drug-resistant Candidozyma auris through physiological stress and antifungal permeation. Chemical Engineering Journal, 520, 166070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.166070
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast that has caused outbreaks in hospitals worldwide. It is classified as an urgent threat by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs and its ability to spread in healthcare environments. Infections can lead to severe health complications, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
The electrochemical therapy developed by CMU researchers involves applying a low-level direct current to C. auris cells. This current, imperceptible to human touch, disrupts the yeast’s cell membrane, increasing its permeability. As a result, antifungal drugs can penetrate the cells more effectively, even those that are typically ineffective against dormant yeast cells. The therapy has shown to eradicate up to 99.998% of C. auris cells at the highest current levels tested.
Associate Professor Tagbo H. R. Niepa from Carnegie Mellon University stated,
“Owing to their innate ability, C. auris cells commonly remain dormant when they are exposed to drugs in a biological environment. During that dormancy, the drug does not have an effect”.
In addition to direct cell disruption, the electrochemical therapy enhances the activity of existing antifungal drugs. By increasing the permeability of the yeast cell walls, the therapy allows antifungal agents to enter the cells more efficiently, overcoming the challenges posed by dormant or resistant cells. This combination could potentially reduce the required dosage of antifungal drugs, minimizing side effects and the risk of further resistance development.
Building on these findings, the research team is developing an electrochemical bandage that can be applied to the skin. This bandage would deliver the low-level current directly to the site of infection, providing a targeted and non-invasive treatment option for C. auris infections. Such a device could be particularly beneficial in hospital settings, where C. auris outbreaks are most prevalent.
Camila Cué Royo, researcher at Carnegie Mellon University stated,
“If we’re able to potentiate a drug, we can use a lower dose and minimize the possibility of resistance developing”.
The success of electrochemical therapy in treating C. auris infections opens avenues for addressing other multidrug-resistant pathogens. By enhancing the effectiveness of existing drugs, this approach could be a cost-effective strategy in the fight against resistant infections. Further research and clinical trials will be necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy of electrochemical therapies in diverse patient populations.
This innovative approach underscores the potential of interdisciplinary research in developing novel solutions to complex healthcare challenges.
Adrian graduated with a Masters Degree (1st Class Honours) in Chemical Engineering from Chester University along with Harris. His master’s research aimed to develop a standardadised clean water oxygenation transfer procedure to test bubble diffusers that are currently used in the wastewater industry commercial market. He has also undergone placments in both US and China primarely focused within the R&D department and is an associate member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
