Title:Enhancement of the Anti-biofilm Activity of Gold Nanoparticles- Itraconazole Conjugates in Resistant Candida glabrata
Volume: 16
Issue: 2
Author(s): Ensieh Lotfali, Mahsa Fattahi*, Reza Ghasemi, Farzan Zakermashhadi, Mohammad Shafiei, Mojgan Borzouie and Mohammad Mahdi Rabiei
Affiliation:
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,Iran
Keywords:
Candida glabrata, biofilm, nanoparticles, onychomycosis, itraconazole, drug resistance.
Abstract:
Introduction: Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a common
fungal infection affecting the nails. After dermatophytes, Candida species
are recognized as second-line pathogens responsible for this infection. The treatment
of onychomycosis requires a long time and is associated with high rates of
recurrence. Antifungal medicines conjugated with gold (Au-NP) nanoparticle are
the possible platforms for the reduction of drug resistance.
Methods: In the present study, we reported the in-vitro antifungal activity of itraconazole
(ITZ) – Au conjugates, time-kill studies, and biofilm-producing ability
of six ITZ-resistant C. glabrata.
Results: 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)
quantitative results revealed that four out of six resistant isolates studied able to
form biofilms in vitro. ITZ-Au conjugates were more effective than ITZ or Au
nanoparticle alone, and the time-kill tests pointed to the suitable effect of ITZ-Au
conjugate.
Conclusion: The present study concluded that ITZ-Au conjugates have an inhibitory
effect on the biofilm of resistant C. glabrata isolates. Further studies are
needed to compare the ex-vivo onychomycosis model.
