Unveiling the role of sulfur nanoparticles as an anti-dermatomycotic agent against Pichia kudriavzevii

Abstract

Non-metal nanoparticles are now a days widely applied in different fields. Among various non-metal nanoparticles (NPs), sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) are one of the most significant and emerging nanoparticles. In this study, sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) were prepared by eco-friendly method and well characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy. The prepared nanoparticles were spherical in shape with mean size of 35 nm and positive surface charge. Here, an attempt has been made to check the in vitro efficacy of sulfur nanoparticles against the dermatomycosis causing fungus Pichia kudriavzevii. Different antimicrobial experiments were performed to check the potential of SNPs against Pichia kudriavzevii. SEM micrographs and growth inhibition assay confirmed the efficacy of SNPs against the studied fungus. The antifungal activity of SNPs evaluated through the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). The values of MIC were 50µM SNPs for the studied species, and MFC was 250µM for Pichia kudriavzevii. Treatment with SNPs was found to be effective in altering the cell morphology, inhibiting normal growth, and reducing the cell membrane content, mainly ergosterol of Pichia kudriavzevii. The status of present study can further be use to unravel the detailed mechanism of antifungal activity of sulfur nanoparticles against Pichia kudriavzevii for future workers.