Recent Developments on Using Nanomaterials to Combat Candida albicans

Abstract

Vaginal candidiasis (VC) is a common disease of women and the main pathogen is Candida albicans (C. albicans). C. albicans infection incidence especially its drug resistance have become a global health threat due to the existence of C. albicans biofilms and the low bioavailability of traditional antifungal drugs. In recent years, nanomaterials have made great progresses in the field of antifungal applications. Some researchers have treated fungal infections with inorganic nanoparticles, represented by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with antifungal properties. Liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were also used to improve the bioavailability of antifungal drugs. Herein, we briefly introduced the recent developments on using above nanomaterials to combat C. albicans in antifungal applications.

Antifungal therapy of Candida biofilms: Past, present and future

“…Nanotechnological approaches represent another promising alternative for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-associated infections, which has been gaining traction over the last few years in the field of Candida biofilms [ 75 ]. Generally speaking, “nanomaterials”, “nanoparticles” or “nanoantibiotics” are considered to be single-structures, free or in a composite, with a size of less than 100 nm in at least one of their three dimensions.…”

Nature-derived gelatin-based antifungal nanotherapeutics for combatting Candida albicans biofilms

“…28 Nanocarriers with high therapeutic loading capacity can penetrate biofilm matrices, providing a promising strategy to combat fungal biofilm infections. 29 In particular, polymeric nanocarriers, including nanoemulsions, have been used to enhance solubility, biofilm penetration, and efficacy of essential oils against bacterial biofilms. [30][31][32] Natural polymers have the potential to provide environmentally-friendly delivery platforms for essential oils that minimize ecotoxicity given their sustainability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility.…”

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

“…The combination of nystatin with nanoparticles (NPs) will likely increase the bioavailability and efficacy of nystatin and also a reduction in its toxicity [ 13 , 14 ]. The NPs have a high surface area, facilitating enhanced drug loading, more efficient drug delivery, and reduced toxicity and dosage for anti- Candida activity [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. The NPs can be used as smart drug delivery systems by encapsulating or attaching the antifungal agents with biocompatible NPs.…”