Evaluation of Antifungal Activity by Mixed Oxide Metallic Nanocomposite against Candida spp.

Abstract

High doses of antimicrobial agents are a huge threat due to the increasing number of pathogenic organisms that are becoming resistant to antimicrobial agents. This resistance has led to a search for alternatives. Therefore, this study presents the synthesis and characterization of ZrO2-Ag2O nanoparticles (NPs) by sol-gel. The NPs were analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible (UV-vis), Raman and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The NPs were later evaluated for their antifungal effects against Candidaalbicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis, using disc diffusion and microdilution methods, followed by the viability study. The DLS showed sizes for ZrO2 76 nm, Ag2O 50 nm, and ZrO2-Ag2O samples between 14 and 42 nm. UV-vis shows an absorption peak at 300 nm for ZrO2 and a broadband for Ag2O NPs. Raman spectra were consistent with factor group analysis predictions. SEM showed spherically shaped NPs. The antifungal activity result suggested that ZrO2-Ag2O NPs were effective against Candida spp. From the viability study, there was no significance difference in viability as a function of time and concentration on human mononuclear cells. This promising result can contribute toward the development of alternative therapies to treat fungal diseases in humans.

Bioengineered synthesis of phytochemical-adorned green silver oxide (Ag2O) nanoparticles via Mentha pulegium and Ficus carica extracts with high antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities

“…Silver oxide nanoparticles penetrate the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane by binding to lipids and proteins, leading to cell lysis and toxic effects inside the cell (Fig. 8 ) 66 . The mechanisms of antifungal activity of Ag 2 O NPs can be attributed to the production of reactive oxygen species (Fig.…”

“…8 B). Consequently, these nanoparticles negatively affect the expression of the oxidative enzyme, thereby causing the inability to handle the resulting stress 66 .

Figure 8 Schematic illustration of antibacterial ( A ) and antifungal ( B ) activity of Ag 2 O nanoparticles.

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“…Additionally, these nanoparticles can have antifungal properties by disturbing the antioxidant endogenic process and unsettling the pathogen's internal environment. They can also alter homeostatic redox reactions and oxidative stress, leading to an imbalance in osmotic pressure, membrane destruction, and ultimately cell death 66 . These nanoparticles enhance their antifungal effect by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of various enzymes, such as the activity of transferase in lecithin or ATPase in P-glycoprotein 66 .…”

“…They can also alter homeostatic redox reactions and oxidative stress, leading to an imbalance in osmotic pressure, membrane destruction, and ultimately cell death 66 . These nanoparticles enhance their antifungal effect by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of various enzymes, such as the activity of transferase in lecithin or ATPase in P-glycoprotein 66 . They arrest the fungal cell cycle by increasing the percentage of cells in G2/M phase and decreasing them significantly in G1 phase 64 .…”

“…8B). Consequently, these nanoparticles negatively affect the expression of the oxidative enzyme, thereby causing the inability to handle the resulting stress 66 .…”