Phytogenic Fabrication of Ag–Fe Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis Signaling Pathways in Candida auris by Generating Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Novel green synthetic nanomedicines have been recognized as alternative therapies with the potential to be antifungal agents. Apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest and activation of the antioxidant defense system in fungal cells have also gained attention as emerging drug targets. In this study, a facile and biodegradable synthetic route was developed to prepare Ag–Fe bimetallic nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Beta vulgaris L. Surface plasmon resonance of Beta vulgaris-assisted AgNPs nanoparticles was not observed in the UV-visible region of Ag–Fe bimetallic NPs, which confirms the formation of Ag–Fe nanoparticles. Beta vulgaris-assisted Ag–Fe NPs were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and TGA-DTG analysis for their structural and morphological properties. The as-prepared Ag–Fe NPs were well dispersed and spherical with the average particle size of 15 nm. The antifungal activity of these Ag–Fe NPs against clinical isolates of Candida auris was determined by broth microdilution and cell viability assays. For insights into mechanisms, induction of apoptosis and triggering cell cycle arrest were studied following standard protocols. Furthermore, analysis of antioxidant defense enzymes was determined spectrophotometrically. Antifungal susceptibility results revealed high antifungal activity with MIC values ranging from 0.19 to 0.39 µg/mL. Further studies showed that Ag–Fe NPs were able to induce apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and disturbances in primary and secondary antioxidant enzymes. This study presents the potential of Ag–Fe NPs to inhibit and potentially eradicate C. auris by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and increased levels of oxidative stress.

Combination Effect of Novel Bimetallic Ag-Ni Nanoparticles with Fluconazole against Candida albicans

“…The biogenic synthesis of Ag-Ni nanoparticles was initially confirmed by UV-visible spectrophotometry by recording the absorbance of the Salvia officinalis aqueous extract, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs), and Ag-Ni nanoparticles in the wavelength range of 200–800 nm. The Salvia officinalis aqueous extract shows an absorption peak at 325 nm that could be due to the π-π transition [ 59 ], which signifies the presence of polyphenolic compounds present in the Salvia officinalis aqueous extract ( Figure 2 a). The absorption band of Salvia officinalis extract disappears in synthesized Ni NPs.…”

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Salvia officinalis Leaf Extract and Their Photocatalytic and Antifungal Activities

“…The antifungal properties of bio-fabricated ZnONPs make ZnONPs a good candidate for bioactive food packaging materials. In our previous studies, we have reported antifungal activity and induction of apoptosis in C. auris using biogenic metallic nanoparticles [ 90 , 91 ].…”

Green synthesis of silver‐doped metal hexacyanoferrates nanostructures for efficient cleanup of endocrine‐disrupting pesticides

“…In Ag@FeHCF a peak at 608 cm À1 was not found in the FeHCF complex, but it was present in Ag-Fe nanoparticles, so the bond between Ag-Fe was confirmed. 45 Ag@ZnHCF contains a peak at 762 cm À1 which was not present in pure ZnHCF but this was present in Ag-Zn nanoparticles nearby 680 cm À146 This will confirm a bond in between Zn and Ag shown in Figure 2.…”