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Magnetic Nanosystems as a Therapeutic Tool to Combat Pathogenic Fungi
Heba Salah Abbas1,2,3, Akilandeswari Krishnan3
1National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
The overuse of antibiotics is the main reason for the expansion of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, especially, pathogenic fungi, such as Candida albicans and others. Nanotechnology provides an excellent therapeutic tool for pathogenic fungi. Several reports focused on metal oxide nanoparticles, especially, iron oxide nanoparticles due to their extensive applications such as targeted drug delivery. Using biological entities for iron oxide nanoparticle synthesis attracted many concerns for being eco-friendly, and inexpensive. The fusion of biologically active substances reduced and stabilized nanoparticles. Recently, the advancement and challenges for surface engineered magnetic nanoparticles are reviewed for improving their properties and compatibility. Other metals on the surface nanoparticles can enhance their biological and antimicrobial activities against pathogenic fungi. Furthermore, conjugation of antifungal drugs to magnetic nanoparticulate increases their antifungal effect, antibiofilm properties, and reduces their undesirable effects. In this review, we discuss different routes for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles, surface coating manipulation, their applications as antimicrobials, and their mode of action.
Insights
Iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using biological methods offer an eco-friendly approach to combat multidrug-resistant fungi. Surface modifications enhance their antimicrobial efficacy and drug delivery capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Mycology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Antibiotic overuse drives multidrug-resistant microbial growth, particularly pathogenic fungi like Candida albicans.
- Nanotechnology offers promising therapeutic strategies against fungal infections.
- Iron oxide nanoparticles are explored for targeted drug delivery and antimicrobial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the synthesis, surface engineering, and antimicrobial applications of iron oxide nanoparticles against pathogenic fungi.
- To discuss the role of nanotechnology in addressing antifungal resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of synthesis routes for iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs).
- Analysis of surface coating and engineering techniques for IONPs.
- Examination of IONP conjugation with antifungal agents.
Main Results:
- Biologically synthesized IONPs are eco-friendly and cost-effective.
- Surface modification and metal doping enhance IONP antimicrobial activity.
- Conjugating antifungal drugs to IONPs improves efficacy and reduces side effects.
Conclusions:
- Iron oxide nanoparticles, especially surface-engineered ones, show significant potential as antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant fungi.
- Nanotechnology-based approaches, including IONPs, are crucial for developing novel antifungal therapies.
