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Lecithin and Chitosan as Building Blocks in Anti-Candida Clotrimazole Nanoparticles
Lisa Myrseth Hemmingsen1, Virginia Panzacchi1,2, Lloyd Mbugua Kangu1
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Tromsø-The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsvegen 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
Abstract:
The main focus when considering treatment of non-healing and infected wounds is tied to the microbial, particularly bacterial, burden within the wound bed. However, as fungal contributions in these microbial communities become more recognized, the focus needs to be broadened, and the remaining participants in the complex wound microbiome need to be addressed in the development of new treatment strategies. In this study, lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles loaded with clotrimazole were tailored to eradicate one of the most abundant fungi in the wound environment, namely C. albicans. Moreover, this investigation was extended to the building blocks and their organization within the delivery system. In the evaluation of the novel nanoparticles, their compatibility with keratinocytes was confirmed. Furthermore, these biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic carriers comprising clotrimazole (~189 nm, 24 mV) were evaluated for their antifungal activity through both disk diffusion and microdilution methods. It was found that the activity of clotrimazole was fully preserved upon its incorporation into this smart delivery system. These results indicate both that the novel carriers for clotrimazole could serve as a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of fungi-infected wounds and that the building blocks and their organization affect the performance of nanoparticles.
Insights
Researchers developed lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles loaded with clotrimazole to combat Candida albicans in wound infections. These novel nanoparticles effectively delivered clotrimazole, preserving its antifungal activity for treating fungal-infected wounds.
Area of Science:
- Wound Healing Research
- Nanotechnology in Medicine
- Antimicrobial Drug Delivery
Background:
- Infected wounds often harbor complex microbial communities, including fungi like Candida albicans.
- Current treatments primarily focus on bacterial burden, neglecting significant fungal contributions.
- Developing targeted antifungal therapies is crucial for effective wound management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles loaded with clotrimazole for targeting Candida albicans in wound infections.
- To assess the biocompatibility and antifungal efficacy of these novel nanoparticles.
- To investigate the impact of nanoparticle composition and organization on drug delivery performance.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles loaded with clotrimazole.
- Evaluation of nanoparticle characteristics (size, charge, biocompatibility with keratinocytes).
- Assessment of clotrimazole's antifungal activity using disk diffusion and microdilution methods.
Main Results:
- Novel nanoparticles (~189 nm, 24 mV) were successfully synthesized and demonstrated compatibility with keratinocytes.
- The antifungal activity of clotrimazole was fully preserved after incorporation into the nanoparticles.
- The study confirmed the potential of these nanoparticles as a therapeutic alternative for fungal-infected wounds.
Conclusions:
- Lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles offer a promising drug delivery system for clotrimazole in treating fungal-infected wounds.
- The structural integrity and composition of nanoparticles significantly influence their therapeutic performance.
- Addressing the fungal component of the wound microbiome is essential for advancing wound treatment strategies.
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