Antifungal activity of Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles against pathogenic Candida species
Sedigheh Azadi1, Esmat Azizipour2, Ali Mohammad Amani3
1Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. sedigheh.azadi1987@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The antifungal efficacy and cytotoxicity of a novel nano-antifungal agent, the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base complex of Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), have been assessed for targeting drug-resistant Candida species. Due to the rising issue of fungal infections, especially candidiasis, and resistance to traditional antifungals, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Utilizing Schiff-base ligands known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs have been synthesized. The Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs was characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), demonstrating successful synthesis. The antifungal potential was evaluated against six Candida species (C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and C. albicans) using the broth microdilution method. The results indicated strong antifungal activity in the range of 8-64 μg/mL with the lowest MIC (8 μg/mL) observed against C. parapsilosis. The result showed the MIC of 32 μg/mL against C. albicans as the most common infection source. The antifungal mechanism is likely due to the disruption of the fungal cell wall and membrane, along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation leading to cell death. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay for cytotoxicity on mouse L929 fibroblastic cells suggested low toxicity and even enhanced cell proliferation at certain concentrations. This study demonstrates the promise of Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs as a potent antifungal agent with potential applications in the treatment of life-threatening fungal infections, healthcare-associated infections, and beyond.
Insights
A novel magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) complex shows potent antifungal activity against drug-resistant Candida species. This Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNP agent demonstrates low toxicity and offers a promising new strategy for treating serious fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Mycology
Background:
- Rising incidence of drug-resistant fungal infections, particularly candidiasis.
- Urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies beyond traditional antifungal agents.
- Schiff-base ligands exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) agent, Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II).
- To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of the synthesized MNPs against various Candida species.
- To assess the cytotoxicity of the MNPs on mammalian cells.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs.
- Characterization using FT-IR, XRD, TEM, SEM, DLS, EDX, VSM, and TGA.
- Antifungal activity assessed via broth microdilution method against six Candida species.
- Cytotoxicity evaluated using MTT assay on L929 fibroblastic cells.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis and characterization of the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs.
- Significant antifungal activity observed against Candida species, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) ranging from 8-64 μg/mL.
- Lowest MIC of 8 μg/mL against Candida parapsilosis and 32 μg/mL against Candida albicans.
- Mechanism involves fungal cell wall/membrane disruption and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
- MTT assay indicated low cytotoxicity and even enhanced cell proliferation at specific concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs exhibit potent antifungal properties against drug-resistant Candida.
- The novel MNP agent demonstrates a favorable safety profile with low cytotoxicity.
- These findings highlight the potential of Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs for treating life-threatening and healthcare-associated fungal infections.
