Optimized Synthesis of Xanthan gum/ZnO/TiO₂Nanocomposite with High Antifungal Activity against Pathogenic Candida albicans

Abstract

Increased resistance of fungal pathogens to common antimicrobial agents is known as one of the most important human problems. Due to the limited variety of antifungal drugs available, the identification and use of new antifungal drugs are essential. This study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for synthesizing a novel nanocomposite of xanthan gum/ZnO/TiO2with the highest antifungal activity against Candida albicans (C. albicans). For this purpose, nine experiments were designed using the Taguchi method. In the designed experiments, three factors of xanthan gum, ZnO, and TiO2nanoparticles have been investigated at three different levels, and the best ratio with the highest antifungal activity was determined. The results showed that in the presence of the synthesized nanocomposite in experiment 3 (xanthan gum 0.01 M, ZnO 0.09 M, and TiO2 0.09 M), the inhibition of fungal growth reached 92.51%. The properties of the synthesized nanocomposite and its components were investigated using different characterization methods, which confirmed the formation of nanocomposites with desirable properties. The antifungal activity results showed that the synthesized nanocomposite as an antifungal agent has an effective performance and can be used well in various fields.

Antifungal Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Candida albicans

“…However, based on the scientific reports, the principal mechanisms proposed are the formation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) and the release of metal ions from the NPs due to the interaction of NPs with the cell membrane causing inhibition of cell wall synthesis, enzyme activities, and cell signalling, DNA damage, ribosome disassembly, inactivation of protein synthesis, and structure modification of essential proteins (Figure 9). In addition to the membrane dysfunction caused by the accumulation of positively charged Zn 2+ from the dissolution of ZnO NPs on the surface of the cell membrane, the internalisation of ZnO NPs disrupts microbial metabolic activity, eventually causing microbial cell death [56][57][58][59].…”

Surface Topography Steer Soft Tissue Response and Antibacterial Function at the Transmucosal Region of Titanium Implant

“…The incorporation of metallic nanoparticles into the nanostructured surface is another method of creating a drug delivery system aiming to enhance the antibacterial and antifungal properties in implant dentistry. [156][157][158][159][160] In a study, Gao et al applied a silver-embedded TiO 2 nanotube array to the surface of the Ti implant and their findings revealed an effective antibacterial activity against S.aureus for silver-containing nanotubular topography. This antibacterial activity was due to direct contact between the bacterial cells and the silver layer which damaged their cell walls.…”