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Insights on nanomaterials-fungi interactions: probing engineering principles for developing antifungal nanomedicines
Vânia Rocha1, Daniel Carvalho2, José das Neves3
1i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Fungal infections are a growing healthcare concern worldwide. Aspergillus, Candida and Cryptococcus are considered the most important genera of human pathogenic fungi and treatment of their infections is often challenging. The limited efficacy of available antifungal drugs is largely associated with toxicity and the rising rates of resistance. Thus, alternative therapeutic modalities such as the utilization of nanomedicines have emerged and even introduced in clinical practice. These antifungal nanosystems have been explored as drug delivery systems and/or as intrinsic antifungal agents. Although the establishment of direct interactions between nanomaterials and fungi is recognized as being important for activity and, ultimately, clinical success, such matter remains poorly understood. Mechanisms of action leading to fungi inhibition or death upon exposure to antifungal nanomaterials are quite diverse and include cell wall and membrane bonding, structural damage, metabolic changes and genotoxicity. The present review discusses current knowledge on the main mechanisms involved in nanomaterials-fungi interactions, with an emphasis on cell damage processes, while providing relevant hints for the prospective design of innovative antifungal nanomedicines.
Insights
Antifungal nanomedicines offer new ways to combat challenging fungal infections. Understanding how nanomaterials interact with fungi is key to developing more effective treatments against resistant strains.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Nanomedicine
- Antimicrobial Research
Background:
- Fungal infections pose a significant global health challenge, with limited treatment options due to drug toxicity and resistance.
- Key human pathogenic fungi include Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Nanomedicines are emerging as promising alternatives, functioning as drug delivery systems or intrinsic antifungal agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the mechanisms of nanomaterial-fungi interactions.
- To emphasize cell damage processes induced by antifungal nanomaterials.
- To provide insights for designing next-generation antifungal nanomedicines.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on nanomaterial-fungi interactions.
- Analysis of reported mechanisms of antifungal activity of nanomedicines.
- Focus on cell damage pathways, including cell wall/membrane bonding, structural damage, metabolic changes, and genotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Nanomaterials interact with fungi through diverse mechanisms, leading to inhibition or cell death.
- Direct interactions between nanomaterials and fungal cells are crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
- Cellular damage, metabolic disruption, and genotoxicity are key modes of action.
Conclusions:
- Understanding nanomaterial-fungi interactions is vital for advancing antifungal nanomedicine.
- Targeting cell damage processes offers a promising avenue for developing potent antifungal nanosystems.
- Further research into these interactions will guide the design of innovative treatments for fungal infections.
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