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Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Antifungal Effect of Nanoparticles against COVID-19 Linked Black Fungus: A Perspective on Biomedical Applications
Sangiliyandi Gurunathan1, Ah Reum Lee2, Jin Hoi Kim1
1Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus that has caused a 'coronavirus disease 2019' (COVID-19) pandemic in multiple waves, which threatens human health and public safety. During this pandemic, some patients with COVID-19 acquired secondary infections, such as mucormycosis, also known as black fungus disease. Mucormycosis is a serious, acute, and deadly fungal infection caused by Mucorales-related fungal species, and it spreads rapidly. Hence, prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid high mortality and morbidity rates. Major risk factors for this disease include uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression that can also facilitate increases in mucormycosis infections. The extensive use of steroids to prevent the worsening of COVID-19 can lead to black fungus infection. Generally, antifungal agents dedicated to medical applications must be biocompatible, non-toxic, easily soluble, efficient, and hypoallergenic. They should also provide long-term protection against fungal growth. COVID-19-related black fungus infection causes a severe increase in fatalities. Therefore, there is a strong need for the development of novel and efficient antimicrobial agents. Recently, nanoparticle-containing products available in the market have been used as antimicrobial agents to prevent bacterial growth, but little is known about their efficacy with respect to preventing fungal growth, especially black fungus. The present review focuses on the effect of various types of metal nanoparticles, specifically those containing silver, zinc oxide, gold, copper, titanium, magnetic, iron, and carbon, on the growth of various types of fungi. We particularly focused on how these nanoparticles can impact the growth of black fungus. We also discussed black fungus co-infection in the context of the global COVID-19 outbreak, and management and guidelines to help control COVID-19-associated black fungus infection. Finally, this review aimed to elucidate the relationship between COVID-19 and mucormycosis.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in deadly mucormycosis, or black fungus infections. This review explores how metal nanoparticles show promise in combating fungal growth, offering new avenues for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased mucormycosis (black fungus) infections, a serious and often fatal secondary fungal disease.
- Risk factors for mucormycosis include uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppression, and extensive steroid use during COVID-19 treatment.
- Existing antifungal agents have limitations, highlighting the urgent need for novel and effective antimicrobial strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of various metal nanoparticles on fungal growth, with a specific focus on mucormycosis.
- To discuss the co-infection of black fungus in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To elucidate the relationship between COVID-19 and mucormycosis.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of existing literature on metal nanoparticles and their antifungal properties.
- Focus on nanoparticles containing silver, zinc oxide, gold, copper, titanium, magnetic, iron, and carbon.
- Analysis of studies investigating the efficacy against various fungi, particularly Mucorales species.
Main Results:
- Metal nanoparticles demonstrate potential as antimicrobial agents against fungal growth.
- Specific nanoparticles show varying degrees of efficacy in inhibiting fungal proliferation.
- The review highlights the need for further research into nanoparticle-based treatments for mucormycosis.
Conclusions:
- Metal nanoparticles represent a promising area for developing new treatments against fungal infections like mucormycosis.
- Understanding the interaction between COVID-19 and mucormycosis is crucial for effective patient management.
- Further investigation into nanoparticle-based antifungals is warranted to combat rising fatalities.
