Hexosomes with Undecylenic Acid Efficient against Candida albicans

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Mycology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Increasing prevalence of fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species, necessitates the development of new antifungal materials.
• Undecylenic acid (UA) is a known antifungal agent, but its clinical application is limited by its oily nature and poor solubility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel hexosomes incorporating undecylenic acid (UA) for enhanced antifungal properties.
• To evaluate the anti-Candida efficacy and human cell cytotoxicity of UA-loaded hexosomes.

Main Methods:

• Hexosomes were formulated and characterized using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for structure and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for morphology.
• Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of UA within the hexosomes.
• Anti-Candida activity was assessed by determining minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and evaluating metabolic activity, filamentation, and growth inhibition. Cytotoxicity was tested on human cells.

Main Results:

• UA was successfully incorporated into hexagonal phase nanoparticles (hexosomes).
• The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 50% and 90% Candida growth reduction was observed at 0.01 and 0.16 wt% hexosomes, respectively.
• Hexosomes significantly reduced metabolic activity (72-96%) and inhibited Candida filamentation and growth without exhibiting toxicity to human cells.

Conclusions:

• UA-loaded hexosomes represent a stable and effective formulation for delivering undecylenic acid.
• These hexosomes demonstrate potent and broad-spectrum anti-Candida activity.
• The developed hexosomes are promising candidates for novel antifungal agents against Candida infections.