Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Studying Copper Nanoparticle-Induced Programmed Cell Death in Bacteria
08:22

Studying Copper Nanoparticle-Induced Programmed Cell Death in Bacteria

Published on: May 16, 2025

581

Original Research Article (Experimental): Targeting fungal menace through copper nanoparticles and Tamrajal

Rinky Mudiar1, Varsha Kelkar-Mane1

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, University of Mumbai, Santacruz (E), Mumbai, 400098, India.

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
|December 31, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Copper nanoparticles and tamrajal (water stored in copper vessels) show high efficacy against drug-resistant Candida species. These copper-based agents offer a promising alternative to combat candidiasis, with tamrajal being favored for its non-toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Materials Science
  • Alternative Medicine

Background:

  • Rising antibiotic resistance in opportunistic pathogens like Candida is a global health concern.
  • Ancient Ayurvedic texts describe tamrajal (water stored in copper vessels) as a health elixir.
  • Copper nanoparticles and surfaces are increasingly recognized for their antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of tamrajal and copper nanoparticles against Candida.
  • To assess their impact on Candida morphology, biofilm formation, and preformed biofilms.
  • To explore their potential as alternatives to conventional antifungals.

Main Methods:

  • Copper oxide nanoparticles and tamrajal were tested as standalone and complementary agents.
  • Standard microbiological assays including time kill assay and germ tube inhibition test were employed.
  • Biofilm quantification and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to assess anti-biofilm activity and cellular changes.

Main Results:

  • Both copper oxide nanoparticles and tamrajal demonstrated 92-100% cytotoxicity against fluconazole-resistant Candida species within 24 hours.
  • Complete inhibition of germ tube formation and significant reduction in biofilm production were observed.
  • Copper concentration was determined using ICP-AES.

Conclusions:

  • Copper-based agents present a viable strategy to combat resistant candidiasis, offering an alternative to azoles and echinocandins.
  • Tamrajal is highlighted as a preferred option due to its proven efficacy and non-toxicity, addressing concerns of nanoparticle accumulation.
  • Further research into copper-based antifungals is warranted for clinical applications.
Keywords:
BiofilmCandida speciesCopperGerm tube

More Related Videos

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

11.1K
Detection of Intracellular Gene Expression in Live Cells of Murine, Human and Porcine Origin Using Fluorescence-labeled Nanoparticles08:14

Detection of Intracellular Gene Expression in Live Cells of Murine, Human and Porcine Origin Using Fluorescence-labeled Nanoparticles

Published on: November 13, 2015

11.4K

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
1.3K
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
523
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
1.4K
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota01:26

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
1.2K
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell02:21

Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell

Cancer arises from mutations in the critical genes that allow healthy cells to escape cell cycle regulation and acquire the ability to proliferate indefinitely. Though originating from a single mutation event in one of the originator cells, cancer progresses when the mutant cell lines continue to gain more and more mutations, and finally, become malignant. For example, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) develops initially as a non-lethal increase in white blood cells, which progressively...
14.9K
Experimental Determination of Chemical Formula02:37

Experimental Determination of Chemical Formula

The elemental makeup of a compound defines its chemical identity, and chemical formulas are the most concise way of representing this elemental makeup. When a compound’s formula is unknown, measuring the mass of its constituent elements is often the first step in determining the formula experimentally.
47.1K