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Published on: October 21, 2010
Synthesis of bio-stabilized silver nanoparticles using Roccella montagnei, their anticandidal capacities & potential
Shweta Bharti1, Balwant Singh2, Sanket Kumar3
1Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Lucknow, India.
Abstract:
Candida species is the causative agent in approximately 80% of invasive mycoses and drug-resistant Candida albicans is among the four strains of 'critical priority group' framed by WHO. Lichens are endowed with some rare phytochemicals and a plethora of therapeutics viz. antifungal capacities of Roccella montagnei. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using lichen could offer an eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative against emerging 'microbial resistance.' Therefore, the objective was to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (Rm-AgNPs) using a Hydro-alcoholic (1:1) extract of R. montagnei to develop a potent anticandidal agent against Fluconazole-resistant C. albicans NBC099. UV-Spectroscopy identified AgNPs specific-peak of Rm-AgNPs at 420-440 nm and FTIR revealed the presence of amines, alcohol, aromatic compounds, and acids. SEM and TEM analysis indicated that Rm-AgNPs are spherical shaped with a size range of 10-50 nm. Zetasizer analysis indicated that particles are highly stable and have a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 116 nm with a zeta potential charge of - 41 mV. XRD analysis suggested face centered cubic crystal lattice structure. Results indicated that Rm-AgNPs strongly inhibited the growth of NBC099 at a minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ≤ 15 µg. C. albicans culture treated with Rm-AgNPs at concentrations below IC50, down-regulates the production of different virulence factors in NBC099, viz. hyphal formation (> 85%), biofilms production (> 80%), phospholipase, esterase, proteinase activity. The apoptosis assay demonstrated the Rm-AgNPs induced apoptosis in NBC099 cells via oxidative stress. Interestingly, Rm-AgNPs showed negligible cytotoxicity (< 6%) in murine RAW 246.7 macrophage cells at a concentration above 15 µg/mL. Therefore, Rm-AgNPs have been offered as an anti-candida alternative that can be utilized to improve the efficacy of already available medications.
Insights
This study biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Roccella montagnei lichen to combat drug-resistant Candida albicans. The eco-friendly Rm-AgNPs effectively inhibited fungal growth and virulence factors with low cytotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Mycology
Background:
- Invasive mycoses are primarily caused by Candida species, with drug-resistant strains posing a critical global health threat.
- WHO identifies drug-resistant Candida albicans as a priority pathogen, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Lichens, like Roccella montagnei, possess unique phytochemicals with potential medicinal properties, including antifungal activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (Rm-AgNPs) using Roccella montagnei lichen extract.
- To evaluate the anticandidal efficacy of Rm-AgNPs against Fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans NBC099.
- To investigate the mechanism of action and safety profile of Rm-AgNPs.
Main Methods:
- Hydro-alcoholic extract of Roccella montagnei was used for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Rm-AgNPs).
- Characterization of Rm-AgNPs using UV-Vis Spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, TEM, Zetasizer, and XRD.
- Antifungal activity, virulence factor inhibition, apoptosis induction, and cytotoxicity assays were performed.
Main Results:
- Characterization confirmed the formation of spherical, stable Rm-AgNPs (10-50 nm) with a face-centered cubic structure.
- Rm-AgNPs exhibited potent inhibition of Fluconazole-resistant C. albicans NBC099 with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤ 15 µg/mL.
- Rm-AgNPs significantly reduced virulence factors (hyphal formation, biofilm production, enzyme activities) and induced apoptosis via oxidative stress, with negligible cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Biosynthesis of Roccella montagnei-derived silver nanoparticles (Rm-AgNPs) offers a promising, eco-friendly anticandidal agent.
- Rm-AgNPs demonstrate significant efficacy against drug-resistant Candida albicans by inhibiting growth and virulence factors.
- Rm-AgNPs represent a potential alternative therapeutic strategy to enhance existing antifungal treatments with a favorable safety profile.
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