Chitosan encapsulation of fluconazole-loaded MgO/CuO nanocomposite for biofilm inhibition of contact lens

Abstract

Candidal colonization and biofilm development is the primary cause of contact lens associated keratomycosis. Protracted therapeutic courses and high doses of anticandidal agents have made treatment of the condition a challenge. The development of novel strategies to prepare non-toxic antibiofilm coating materials is required to ensure user safety and reduce unnecessary health burdens. The present study focused on the synthesis of chitosan encapsulated fluconazole loaded MgO/CuO nanocomposite from an aqueous extract of Talaromyces pupureogenus fungus isolated from the plant. T. pupureogenus extract revealed the presence of Palmitic acid, Ethanol, 1-propanol, and Trichloromethane via Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The presence of palmitic acid had a role as a bio-reducer and capping agent. Nanocomposites were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Mycosynthesized nanomaterials displayed crystalline structures by XRD. FESEM analysis revealed 2D nanosheets and induction of copper with a size range of 12–24 nm in MgO/CuO nanocomposite. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of mycosynthesized nanomaterials depicted their low concentration that varies from 0.1 μg/ml to 10 μg/ml for anticandidal activity against the clinical strain of C.albicans whereas dose-dependent anticandidal activity by MgO/CuO nanocomposite was observed with an increase in inhibition regions. Antibiofilm analysis of synthesized nanocomposites in microtiter plates, on glass slides, on contact lenses, and contact lens cases exhibited prominent results. Biofilm inhibition by FLC-CS/MgO/CuO nanocomposite was observed as 88% indicating that chitosan encapsulated fluconazole loaded MgO/CuO nanocomposite can be used as an effective antibiofilm treatment option for contact lens associated keratomycosis. Hemolysis assay showed that Flc-CS/MgO/CuO nanocomposite are highly hemocompatible.Hence, these mycosynthesized nanocomposites are envisaged as promising materials for contact lens associated infections.