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Antifungal hydrogels

Andreas Zumbuehl1, Lino Ferreira, Duncan Kuhn

  • 1Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, and University Hospitals of Cleveland, OH, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|August 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A new dextran-based hydrogel, amphogel, effectively kills fungi on contact and prevents infections. This reusable, biocompatible material shows promise for medical devices and industrial surfaces.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungal bloodstream infections are a growing concern, particularly with indwelling medical devices.
  • Antifungal materials are needed to prevent device-associated fungal infections.
  • Candida albicans is a common cause of fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a novel antifungal hydrogel, amphogel, for preventing fungal infections.
  • To assess the efficacy, reusability, and biocompatibility of amphogel.
  • To investigate amphogel's potential in preventing fungal biofilm formation and in vivo infections.

Main Methods:

  • Amphogel was created by adsorbing amphotericin B onto a dextran-based hydrogel.
  • Antifungal activity was tested against Candida albicans, assessing contact time and reusability.
  • Biocompatibility was evaluated through in vivo implantation in mice and in vitro hemolysis assays.
  • Fungal infection prevention and biofilm mitigation were assessed in mouse models.

Main Results:

  • Amphogel demonstrated rapid antifungal activity, killing fungi within 2 hours of contact.
  • The material maintained effectiveness against Candida albicans after at least 53 reuse cycles.
  • Amphogel proved biocompatible in vivo and did not cause hemolysis in human blood.
  • Implantation of amphogel in mice prevented fungal infection and mitigated biofilm formation.

Conclusions:

  • Amphogel is a highly effective, reusable, and biocompatible antifungal hydrogel.
  • This material offers a promising strategy for preventing fungal infections associated with medical devices.
  • Amphogel has potential applications in coating medical devices and industrial surfaces to combat fungal contamination.

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