Fungal Biofilm: An Overview of the Latest Nano-Strategies
Andrea Giammarino1, Laura Verdolini1, Giovanna Simonetti2
1Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00100 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: There is an increasing incidence of fungal infections in conjunction with the rise in resistance to medical treatment. Antimicrobial resistance is frequently associated with virulence factors such as adherence and the capacity of biofilm formation, which facilitates the evasion of the host immune response and resistance to drug action. Novel therapeutic strategies have been developed to overcome antimicrobial resistance, including the use of different type of nanomaterials: metallic (Au, Ag, Fe3O4 and ZnO), organic (e.g., chitosan, liposomes and lactic acid) or carbon-based (e.g., quantum dots, nanotubes and graphene) materials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of nanoparticles of different synthesis and with different coatings on fungi of medical interest. Methods: Literature research was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, and the following terms were employed in articles published up to June 2025: 'nanoparticles' in combination with 'fungal biofilm', 'Candida biofilm', 'Aspergillus biofilm', 'Cryptococcus biofilm', 'Fusarium biofilm' and 'dermatophytes biofilm'. Results: The utilization of nanoparticles was found to exert a substantial impact on the reduction in fungal biofilm, despite the presence of substantial variability in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values attributable to variations in nanoparticle type and the presence of capping agents. It was observed that the MIC values were lower for metallic nanoparticles, particularly silver, and for those synthesized with polylactic acid compared to the others. Conclusions: Despite the limited availability of data concerning the stability and biocompatibility of nanoparticles employed in the treatment of fungal biofilms, it can be posited that these results constitute a significant initial step.
Insights
Nanoparticles show promise in combating drug-resistant fungal infections by reducing fungal biofilms. Metallic nanoparticles, especially silver, and polylactic acid-based nanoparticles were most effective in reducing minimum inhibitory concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Nanotechnology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Rising incidence of fungal infections and increasing antimicrobial resistance.
- Biofilm formation is a key virulence factor enabling immune evasion and drug resistance.
- Nanomaterials offer novel therapeutic strategies against resistant fungi.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the efficacy of various nanoparticles against medically important fungi.
- Assess the impact of nanoparticle synthesis and coatings on antifungal activity.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of PubMed and Google Scholar databases.
- Searched for studies up to June 2025 using keywords: 'nanoparticles' combined with specific fungal biofilm types.
- Analyzed data on nanoparticle action against fungal biofilms.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles significantly reduced fungal biofilm formation.
- Variability in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values observed due to nanoparticle type and capping agents.
- Lower MIC values noted for metallic nanoparticles (especially silver) and polylactic acid-based nanoparticles.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticles demonstrate potential as a therapeutic approach for fungal biofilms.
- Further research is needed on nanoparticle stability and biocompatibility.
- These findings represent a crucial first step in developing new antifungal treatments.
