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Updated: May 7, 2026

A 96 Well Microtiter Plate-based Method for Monitoring Formation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida albicans Biofilms
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Nature-Derived Gelatin-Based Antifungal Nanotherapeutics for combatting Candida albicans Biofilms

Ahmed Nabawy1, Jessa Marie Makabenta1, Jungmi Park1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003.

Environmental Science. Nano
|June 6, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study developed a natural, sustainable nanoemulsion using carvacrol to effectively eliminate fungal biofilms, including drug-resistant strains, while being eco-friendly and safe for human cells.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal infections are a growing global health concern, worsened by biofilm formation.
  • Environmental antifungal resistance is increasing due to contamination with antifungal agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To create an efficient, sustainable, and natural antifungal nanotherapeutic.
  • To evaluate its efficacy against fungal biofilms and its environmental impact.

Main Methods:

  • Integration of carvacrol (antimicrobial essential oil) into a gelatin nanoemulsion platform.
  • Testing nanoemulsion penetration and efficacy against Candida albicans biofilms.
  • Assessing safety in a co-culture model with mammalian fibroblast cells.
  • Evaluating nanoemulsion biodegradability in the presence of biomolecules.

Main Results:

  • Carvacrol-loaded gelatin nanoemulsions effectively penetrated and eradicated Candida albicans biofilms.
  • The nanotherapeutic demonstrated selective biofilm elimination without harming fibroblast cells.
  • Nanoemulsions showed degradation with relevant biomolecules, indicating reduced environmental risk.
  • The formulation proved sustainable and effective against drug-resistant fungal strains.

Conclusions:

  • The developed gelatin nanoemulsion is an environmentally friendly and effective strategy for treating fungal biofilm infections.
  • This approach offers a sustainable solution for combating drug-resistant fungal pathogens.
Keywords:
Candida albicansDrug-resistant fungiGRAS ingredientsantimicrobialsbiofilmsnanoemulsionsnanomaterials

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