Susceptibility Pattern of Caspofungin-Coated Gold Nanoparticles Against Clinically Important Candida Species

Abstract

Purpose: The present study was performed to examine whether caspofungin-coated gold nanoparticles (CAS-AuNPs) may offer the right platform for sensitivity induction in resistant isolates. Methods: For the purpose of the study, a total of 58 archived Candida species were enrolled in the research. The identification of Candida spp. was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and HWP1 gene amplification approaches. The conjugated CAS-AuNPs were synthesized and then characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Zetasizer system to determine their morphology, size, and charge. Furthermore, the efficacy of CAS, CAS-AuNPs conjugate, and AuNPs against Candida spp. was assessed based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M60. Finally, the interaction of CAS-AuNPs with Candida element was evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: According to the TEM results, the synthesized CAS-AuNPs had a spherical shape with an average size of 20 nm. The Zeta potential of CAS-AuNPs was -38.2 mV. Statistical analyses showed that CAS-AuNPs could significantly reduce the minimum inhibitory concentration against C. albicans (P=0.0005) and non-albicans Candida (NAC) species (P<0.0001). All isolates had a MIC value of ≥ 4 µg/ml for CAS, except for C. glabrata. The results of SEM analysis confirmed the effects of AuNPs on the membrane and cell wall structure of C. globrata exposed to CAS-AuNPs, facilitating the formation of pores on the cell wall and finally cell death. Conclusion: The findings revealed that CAS-AuNPs conjugates had significant antifungal effects against Candida spp. through the degradation of the membrane and cell wall integrity. Therefore, it can be concluded that the encapsulation of antifungal drugs in combination with NPs not only diminishes side effects but also enhances the effectiveness of the medications.

Metal Nanoparticles to Combat Candida albicans Infections: An Update

“…Based on these properties, metal nanoparticles have broad applications in the drug delivery of antimicrobial agents [ 29 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. The use of metal nanoparticles in combination with amphotericin B (AMB), caspofungin (CAS) and fluconazole (FCZ) may enhance its effectiveness against C. albicans [ 14 , 38 , 39 ]. Metal nanoparticles can play an important role in combating C. albicans strains resistant to antifungal drugs and biofilms formed on mucosa and medical devices [ 14 , 15 ].…”

“…AuNPs have been typically investigated for the delivery of conventional antifungals. For example, Salehi et al [ 38 ] formulated the antifungal caspofungin by incorporating it into AuNPs (CAS-AuNPs). CAS, a member of the echinocandin class, inhibits the biosynthesis of the fungal cell wall component β-1,3-D-glucan [ 70 , 71 , 72 ].…”

“…CAS-AuNPs exhibited anti- Candida activity at lower concentrations than CAS alone. SEM images demonstrated membrane and cell wall damage in yeast cells after exposure to CAS-AuNPs, indicating the improved antifungal activity associated with reduced antifungal concentrations and decreased toxicity [ 38 ].…”

Superficial Dermatophytosis across the World’s Populations: Potential Benefits from Nanocarrier-Based Therapies and Rising Challenges

“…prepared caspofungin loaded gold nanoparticles. According to the author’s report, the nanoparticles that were prepared have demonstrated efficacy against resistant strains . Noorbakhsh et al conducted a study to investigate the effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) both alone and in combination with antifungal drugs, specifically fluconazole and griseofulvin, on T. rubrum .…”

“…According to the author’s report, the nanoparticles that were prepared have demonstrated efficacy against resistant strains. 134 Noorbakhsh et al conducted a study to investigate the effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) both alone and in combination with antifungal drugs, specifically fluconazole and griseofulvin, on T. rubrum . The findings indicated that the activity of T. rubrum was inhibited by Ag NPs alone when administered at a concentration of 10 μg/mL.…”