Exploring photosensitization as an efficient antifungal method

Abstract

Lipid bilayers containing ergosterol show signs of destruction when they are treated with singlet oxygen, due to the conversion of ergosterol into its peroxy derivative. Applying this previous knowledge, an antifungal method was explored using Candida tropicalis as model, and membrane permeation under photosensitization conditions became evident. These data were complemented through AFM images of artificial lipid bilayers, using cholesterol or ergosterol as structural sterols, showing their corresponding morphologies at the nanoscale. Based on these results, an antifungal method was developed, which shows evidence of the extent of membrane permeation during photosensitization. Such photosensitization offers an effective alternative treatment, especially in membranes with a high ergosterol content, suggesting that this procedure constitutes an easy and efficient antifungal method.

Anti-Candida albicans Effects and Mechanisms of Theasaponin E1 and Assamsaponin A

“…Previous studies demonstrated that the higher content of ergosterol was related to the higher resistance of the strain [60,61]. Jiang et al found that the average ergosterol content in the resistant group was higher than that in the susceptible group [62].…”

Damages at the nanoscale on red blood cells promoted by fire corals

“…AFM topographic images were obtained in Peak Force mode using a multimode microscope with a Nanoscope V control unit from Bruker. Scan rates of 0.5–1.2 Hz and FESP (50–100 kHz, and 1–5 N m-1) tips (from Bruker) were used 37 . To get representative information about the hemolysis process of the RBCs images from (100 µm × 100 µm) to (0.6 µm × 0.6 µm) were recorded using 512 points/line.…”

Protoporphyrin IX–Chitosan Oligosaccharide Conjugate with Potent Antifungal Photodynamic Activity

“…Immediately, the red fluorescence of PI, which indicates membrane damage, was observed using a fluorescence microscope with an excitation filter of 550 nm and an emission filter of 615 nm. Control experiments were performed to ensure that CH–PPIX and PPIX do not show observable fluorescence emission at the concentrations used. − …”