Nanoparticles as a Tool for Broadening Antifungal Activities

Abstract

: The Fungal infections are diseases that are considered neglected although their infection rates have increased worldwide in the last decades. Thus, since the antifungal arsenal is restricted and many strains have shown resistance new therapeutic alternatives are necessary. Nanoparticles are considered important alternatives to promote drug delivery. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the contributions of newly developed nanoparticles to the treatment of fungal infections. Studies have shown that nanoparticles generally improve the biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic characteristics of antifungals, which is reflected in a greater pharmacodynamic potential and lower toxicity, as well as the possibility of prolonged action. It also offers the proposition of new routes of administration. Nanotechnology is known to contribute to a new drug delivery system, not only for the control of infectious diseases, but for various other diseases as well. In recent years, several studies have emphasized its application in infectious diseases, presenting better alternatives for the treatment of fungal infections.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Mixed Leaves Aqueous Extract of Wild Olive and Pistachio: Characterization, Enhancing Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Potential and Effect on Virulence Factors of Candida

“…The observed results on lamentous fungi con rmed that the silver nanoparticles enhanced the antifungal behavior against mycelium and spores [39]. Numerous works, described the antifungal potential of Olive plant against lamentous fungi like Rhizopus, Fusarium and Alternaria as reported by [40]. These funding mentioned that the antifungal behavior of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from mixed extracts could be due to the olive composition, which was able to affect the spores and the mycelium fungi growth.…”

“…Numerous studies have shown that nanoparticles generally improved the pharmaceutical characteristics of antifungals, as lower toxicity and enhancing antifungal potential, and the possibility of prolonged action [40]. The reported data show that the presence of AgNPs in the Candida growth can limit the virulence factor as enzyme production and bio lm formation.…”

Biomaterials for the Prevention of Oral Candidiasis Development

“…Another promising possibility is to use nanoparticles for drug delivery, as they improve the biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic properties of antifungal agents. These characteristics are further reflected in a greater pharmacodynamic potential, lower toxicity, and prolonged action [147]. In particular, polymeric nanoparticles are attractive due to their two-fold role: drug nanocarrier and intrinsic antimicrobial agent [52].…”

Prospective Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Enhanced Intra- and Transdermal Delivery of Antifungal Drugs

“…Transdermal delivery of nanoparticles has gained a great interest in topical antifungal therapy provided by high drugs penetration rate and controllability of gradual or triggered encapsulated payload release. Active development of various nano- and micron-sized systems for transdermal drug delivery opens up the possibilities for antifungal therapy improvement [53]. Serving as a local (isolated) drug depot and providing a mechanism for controlled release, such systems can deliver high topical concentrations of drugs without pronounced systemic spread [54].…”