Antifungal nanoparticles and surfaces.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Nosocomial fungal infections are a growing global health threat, frequently linked to medical devices.
• Effective strategies are needed to prevent fungal adhesion and proliferation on medical equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel antifungal nanoparticle conjugates for combating medical device-associated fungal infections.
• To evaluate the efficacy, reusability, and safety of these nanoparticle conjugates.

Main Methods:

• Covalent immobilization of amphotericin B (AmB) onto silica nanoparticles.
• Assessment of antifungal activity against Candida sp. in suspension and on surfaces.
• Evaluation of nanoparticle reusability and comparison with colloidal silver.
• Testing of hemolytic and cytotoxic effects on human cells.
• Immobilization of nanoparticles onto surfaces using polydopamine.

Main Results:

• Antifungal nanoparticle conjugates demonstrated potent fungicidal activity against Candida sp., primarily through contact.
• The conjugates maintained activity after 5 reuse cycles.
• Nanoparticle coatings exhibited superior fungistatic and fungicidal properties compared to 10 nm colloidal silver.
• No hemolytic or cytotoxic effects were observed on red blood cells or mononuclear cells.
• Polydopamine-mediated surface immobilization preserved antifungal activity.

Conclusions:

• Novel AmB-conjugated silica nanoparticles offer an effective, reusable, and safe strategy for imparting antifungal properties to medical devices.
• These antifungal nanocoatings present a promising approach to mitigate nosocomial fungal infections associated with medical devices.