In Vitro Antifungal and Antivirulence Activities of Biologically Synthesized Ethanolic Extract of Propolis-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles against Candida albicans

Abstract

Propolis is a natural substance and consists of bioactive compounds, which gives it antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, the use of propolis is limited by the low solubility in aqueous solutions. Thus, nanoparticles may be likely to accomplish enhanced delivery of poorly water-soluble phytomedicine. The aim of the present study was to fabricate and evaluate the biological activity of ethanolic extract of propolis-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (EEP-NPs). The EEP-NPs were prepared using the oil-in-water (o/w) single-emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The physicochemical properties of EEP-NPs were characterized and tested on their cytotoxicity, antifungal activity, and impact on key virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis of C. albicans. EEP-NPs were successfully synthesized and demonstrated higher antifungal activity than EEP in free form. Moreover, EEP-NPs exhibited less cytotoxicity on Vero cells and suppressed the virulence factors of C. albicans, including adhesion, hyphal germination, biofilm formation, and invasion. Importantly, EEP-NPs exhibited a statistical decrease in the expression of hyphal adhesion-related genes, ALS3 and HWP1, of C. albicans. The results of this study revealed that EEP-NPs mediates a potent anticandidal activity and key virulence factors by reducing the gene-encoding virulence-associated hyphal- adhesion proteins of C. albicans and, thereby, disrupting the morphologic presence and attenuating their virulence.

Physicochemical and antimicrobial assessment of Iranian Propolis gathered in Qazvin province

“…The results of this study point to the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Iranian Propolis that is provided from Qazvin province. Studies have shown that Propolis has a significant antibacterial, antiprotozoon, anti-viral and antifungal effects [15,16,17,18]. Although, some reports have identified, despite having a great inhibitory influence on the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, it has little effect on Gram-negative bacteria [17].…”

“…Briefly, the propolis extract serially diluted twofold in a 96-well microplate. First, 100 L double serial dilution (1,2,8,16,32,64,128,256, 512 mg/ml) of Propolis extract was prepared in Muller Hinton broth tubes. Then to each tube 5 × 10 5 CFU / ml per milliliters of broth from microbial suspension of Staphylococcus aureus: S.aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: P. aeruginosa equals 0.5 McFarland was added.…”

Unveiling the Properties of Thai Stingless Bee Propolis via Diminishing Cell Wall-Associated Cryptococcal Melanin and Enhancing the Fungicidal Activity of Macrophages

“…The elution was carried out with a linear gradient and a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection was monitored at 267 nm and the components were identified in comparison with commercial standards (Gallic acid, Quercetin, Pinocembrin, Chrysin, and Galangin) [ 15 ]. All standards were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA.…”

Effects of Propolis on Infectious Diseases of Medical Relevance

“…Inhibited the virulence factors of C. albicans, such as adhesion, hyphal germination, biofilm formation, and invasion (1 and 2 mg/mL) [88] MFC: medium fungicidal concentration.…”