Recent Advances in the Use of Cyclodextrins in Antifungal Formulations

Abstract

Cyclodextrins are usually used in antifungal formulations as auxiliary substances to improve solubility, stability, or other physicochemical properties of the active compound. Nevertheless, more and more research and practical use results indicate that cyclodextrins might also act as active compounds in pharmaceutical formulations. The biological effects of cyclodextrins, important for their use within antimycotic formulations, can be divided into: effects based on the ability of cyclodextrins to form inclusion complexes with endogenous substances (membrane lipids, cellular cholesterol), effects based on formation of inclusion complexes with component parts of fungi cells, and effects based on the chemical nature of cyclodextrins and their derivatives. This review will cover the advances in research of biological activity of cyclodextrins with focus on their properties responsible for their synergistic effect with antimycotic compounds.

Chitosan and β-Cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin Polymer Composite Film as a Plant Healthcare Material for Carbendazim-Controlled Release to Protect Rape against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary

“…As compared with the antifungal activity of carbendazim used alone, there was a slight increase in the efficiency of the β-CD-EP/carbendazim complex. Similar results have also been elaborated by Boldescu et al [45,46]. Since the β-CD has the complex ability to solubilize some biomacromolecules on the membrane, such as proteins, cholesterol, and lipids, it was supposed that this complexation increases the permeability of the microbial cell and readily promotes the penetration of antimicrobial agents [47].…”

Interactions between cyclodextrins and cellular components: Towards greener medical applications?

“…This behavior was attributed to the interaction of β-CD with the lipid membrane components [163]. Other relevant examples can be found in the review of Macaev et al [164].…”

Gallic acid/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex: Improving solubility for application on in vitro/ in vivo Candida albicans biofilms

“…Because of their cyclic structure, which presents a hydrophilic outer surface and a lipophilic central cavity, CDs are able to form inclusion complexes with certain lipophilic drugs increasing their aqueous solubility [8]. Some antifungals, such as itraconazole and voriconazole, have already been complexed with CDs and marketed worldwide [9, 10]. Beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) is a natural type of CD which is frequently used [9].…”