Abstract
The contribution of different Candida species in oral fungal infections has stimulated the search for more effective therapies. This study assessed the antibiofilm effects of nanocarriers of miconazole (MCZ) or fluconazole (FLZ) on Candida biofilms, and their cytotoxic effects on murine fibroblasts. Three-species biofilms (Candida albicans/Candida glabrata/Candida tropicalis) were formed on 96-well plates, and they were treated with nanocarriers (iron oxide nanoparticles coated with chitosan—“IONPs-CS”) of MCZ or FLZ at 39/78/156 µg/mL; antifungals alone at 156 µg/mL and artificial saliva were tested as positive and negative controls, respectively. Biofilms were analyzed by colony forming units (CFU), biomass, metabolic activity, and structure/viability. The cytotoxicity (L929 cells) of all treatments was determined via 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay. Data were submitted to one- or two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s or Fisher LSD’s tests (p < 0.05). IONPs-CS-MCZ at 78 µg/mL promoted similar antibiofilm and cytotoxic effects compared with MCZ at 156 µg/mL. In turn, IONPs-CS-FLZ at 156 µg/mL was overall the most effective FLZ antibiofilm treatment, surpassing the effects of FLZ alone; this nanocarrier was also less cytotoxic compared with FLZ alone. It can be concluded that both nanocarriers are more effective alternatives to fight Candida biofilms compared with their respective positive controls in vitro, being a promising alternative for the treatment of oral fungal infections.
Highlights
Candida albicans is the microorganism isolated in the highest number and at higher frequency from patients with oral mycoses [1,2]
MCZ, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)-CS-MCZ78, and IONPs-CS-MCZ156 did not differ from one another and achieved the greatest reductions (3.77- to 4.46-log10 ; p < 0.001) in colony forming units (CFU) numbers of C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis compared to negative control (NC) (Figure 1A)
IONPs-CS-MCZ39 led to significant decreases in CFUs of C. albicans and C. tropicalis compared to NC, this nanocarrier was not able to overcome the reductions promoted by MCZ alone (Figure 1A)
Summary
Candida albicans is the microorganism isolated in the highest number and at higher frequency from patients with oral mycoses [1,2]. Infections associated with mixed cultures are of growing concern. In this regard, simultaneous detection of the above-mentioned species has been found in the saliva of dental prosthesis wearers [3], as well as under systemic conditions [4]. Issues associated with these antifungals have been reported, including microbial resistance, hepatotoxicity, local burning sensations, and gastrointestinal disturbances [5,6,7,8]. These limitations clearly indicate the need to improve the pharmacological properties of these antimicrobial agents
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
