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Optical, structural, and antifungal properties of nanosilver borate bioactive glass synthesized using gamma rays on the survival of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis

  • 0Radiation Chemistry Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
Journal of Biotechnology +

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November 23, 2025

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November 23, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study developed a novel nanosilver-doped borate bioactive glass (BG/Ag) and used gamma irradiation to enhance its antifungal properties. The enhanced BG/Ag effectively combats Candida infections by inhibiting biofilm formation and reducing fungal viability.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Biomaterials
  • Nanotechnology
  • Medical Mycology

Background

  • Fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species, pose significant health challenges.
  • Bioactive glasses doped with silver nanoparticles (BG/Ag) show promise as antimicrobial agents.
  • Gamma irradiation is explored as a method to enhance the properties of biomaterials.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To synthesize a new borate bioactive glass system incorporating nanosilver (Ag2O).
  • To investigate the effects of gamma irradiation on the structural, optical, and physical properties of the glass.
  • To evaluate the enhanced antifungal efficacy of the gamma-irradiated BG/Ag against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis.

Main Methods

  • Traditional melting technique used for glass synthesis.
  • X-ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible, and FTIR spectroscopy for structural and optical characterization.
  • Gamma irradiation applied at doses of 25 and 50 kGy.
  • Antifungal assays assessing biofilm formation, Candida viability, colony counts, and phospholipase activity.

Main Results

  • XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of the glass.
  • UV-Vis spectra indicated absorption by Ag2+ and potential photo-reduction to Ag0 upon irradiation.
  • FTIR spectra showed characteristic vibrations of borate and phosphate groups.
  • The glass exhibited optical and structural stability post-irradiation.
  • Gamma-irradiated BG/Ag demonstrated enhanced antifungal activity, significantly reducing Candida biofilm formation and viability.

Conclusions

  • A novel nanosilver-doped borate bioactive glass was successfully synthesized.
  • Gamma irradiation improved the antifungal properties of the BG/Ag, making it more effective against Candida species.
  • This enhanced BG/Ag shows potential as a biomaterial for treating serious fungal infections.

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