Antifungal Properties of Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles Functionalized with Nystatin for the Inhibition of Candida albicans Biofilm Formation

Abstract

In the present study, biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been prepared using Paenibacillus terreus and functionalized with nystatin (SeNP@PVP_Nystatin nanoconjugates) for inhibiting growth, morphogenesis, and a biofilm in Candida albicans. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy analysis has shown a characteristic absorption at 289, 303, and 318 nm, and X-ray diffraction analysis has shown characteristic peaks at different 2θ values for SeNPs. Electron microscopy analysis has shown that biogenic SeNPs are spherical in shape with a size in the range of 220–240 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has confirmed the functionalization of nystatin on SeNPs (formation of SeNP@PVP_Nystatin nanoconjugates), and the zeta potential has confirmed the negative charge on the nanoconjugates. Biogenic SeNPs are inactive; however, nanoconjugates have shown antifungal activities on C. albicans (inhibited growth, morphogenesis, and a biofilm). The molecular mechanism for the action of nanoconjugates via a real-time polymerase chain reaction has shown that genes involved in the RAS/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway play an important role in antifungal activity. In cytotoxic studies, nanoconjugates have inhibited only 12% growth of the human embryonic kidney cell line 293 cells, indicating that the nanocomposites are not cytotoxic. Thus, the biogenic SeNPs produced by P. terreus can be used as innovative and effective drug carriers to increase the antifungal activity of nystatin.

ZnO/Ag/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as a Conductive Layer for Electrochemical Monitoring of Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Dynamics

“…Notably, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been shown to downregulate these critical genes in C. albicans . Similar alterations in expression profiles of genes controlling hyphal development have been observed with silver and selenium-based nanoparticles as well. , There is a strong possibility that the nanocomposite used by us has pleiotropic effects and fungal growth inhibition and prevention of hyphal development could be a cumulative effect of perturbations at both the cellular and molecular level. Collectively, these findings strongly suggest the inhibitory influence of the ZnO/Ag/RGO nanocomposite on C. albicans biofilm formation.…”

“…55 Similar alterations in expression profiles of genes controlling hyphal development have been observed with silver and selenium-based nanoparticles as well. 56,57 There is a strong possibility that the nanocomposite used by us has pleiotropic effects and fungal growth inhibition and prevention of hyphal development could be a cumulative effect of perturbations at both the cellular and molecular level.…”

Antimicrobial Activity of Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) against Potentially Pathogenic Oral Microorganisms: A Scoping Review

“…The prevalence and incidence of all forms of oral candidiasis have increased in recent decades, and nystatin is considered one of the main recommended treatments for such cases [ 5 , 69 ]. In this regard, the article published by Nile et al [ 62 ] contributes to the evidence of the ability of SeNPs to act as carriers of nystatin for improved stability, localized delivery, and sustained release. This nanoconjugate achieved a remarkable synergistic antimicrobial effect, which could help to reduce the emergence of microbial resistance [ 70 ].…”

Various Biomimetics, Including Peptides as Antifungals

“…Chitosan, gelatin, alginate and other polymers are being studied for their modification by conjugation and improvement in the mentioned characteristics [81,82]. Selenium, bismuth and copper are often used to modify biomimetics based on polyene macrolides, which make it possible to enhance their antifungal effect [82][83][84].…”