Fungal Candida Albicans Research Articles

Processing and biomedical applications of novel eco-sustainable fluconazole–loaded zinc oxide (ZnO) encapsulated chitosan (CS) biopolymer nanocomposite by inhibiting microbe species against candidiasis

Drug resistance and a lack of effective antifungal treatments have spurred the research and development of novel therapeutics to combat the fungus Candida albicans. Candida is ubiquitous yeast that is often colonized on the skin and mucosal membranes and is implicated in opportunistic fungal disorders all over the globe. In particular, nanoparticles (NPs) made of metals and metal oxides are a novel kind of functional nanohybrids with fascinating physio-chemical characteristics that have potential uses in nanoscience and medicine. In this current novel research attempt, a decisive biocompatible nanocomposite material with conflation of organic and inorganic sources has been successfully developed using a bis-triazole antifungal agent, fluconazol (FCZ)-assimilated zinc oxide (ZnO) as filler, and chitosan (CS) as matrix by a solution-based chemical method for potent biomedical applications. The eco-sustainable biomaterial ZnO NPs has been synthesized with a simple in situ precipitation method, in which the potent antifungal drug FCZ was implemented into the system to improve its strength, and the system was further modified by employing CS biopolymer. CS is an amorphous, translucent organic biopolymer with a structure unit similar to the polysaccharide structure of the extracellular matrix. This may provide mechanical strength to the nanocomposite by creating interfacial bonding between them. Such a novel nanocomposite has been physicochemically characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultra violet (UV), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and particle size distribution (PSD). Additionally, the well diffusion technique was used to evaluate the ZnO-NPs and to develop FCZ-ZnO-CS nanocomposite for antibacterial and antifungal activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and A. niger. The FCZ-ZnO-CS functionalized nanocomposite has excellent antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger and optimum antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the developed nanocomposite material FCZ-ZnO-CS has significant cytotoxicity against the mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH-3T3) cell line. These results reveal that ZnO-incorporated fluconazole-chitosan (FCZ-ZnO-CS) could be used as an ideal material for candidiasis applications.

OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR IMPROVED PRODUCTION OF ANTIMICROBIAL METABOLITES FROM NOCARDIOPSIS FLAVESCENS VJMS-18 ISOLATED FROM SOUTH-COASTAL REGIONS OF ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

Objective: The objective of the present study is to optimize the cultural parameters for Nocardiopsis flavescens VJMS-18 strain isolated from marine sediment samples of the south-coast of Andhra Pradesh, India. Methods: The strain N. flavescensVJMS-18 was identified based on morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular approaches. The effect of environmental parameters such as incubation period, pH, temperature and salt concentration and the effect of various nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen sources and minerals on the bioactive metabolite production by N. flavescens VJMS-18 was evaluated by employing agar well diffusion assay. Results: The nutritional requirements and cultural conditions to enhance the yield of secondary metabolites are optimized under shake flask conditions. ISP-2 medium supplemented with sodium chloride at 3% maintained at pH 7.0 supported the maximum yield of secondary metabolites by the strain when incubated at 35°C for 8 days. The strain exhibited a broad spectrum of antagonistic activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus megaterium) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) as well as fungus (Candida albicans). Conclusion: It was found that the antimicrobial metabolite production by the strain was positively influenced by carbohydrates, nitrogen sources and minerals.

BCG vaccination induces innate immune memory in γδ T cells in humans.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine is well known for inducing trained immunity in myeloid and natural killer cells, which can explain its cross-protective effect against heterologous infections. Although displaying functional characteristics of both adaptive and innate immunity, γδ T-cell memory has been only addressed in a pathogen-specific context. In this study, we aimed to determine whether human γδ T cells can mount trained immunity and therefore contribute to the cross-protective effect of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine. We investigated in vivo induction of innate memory in γδ T cells by Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination in healthy human volunteers by combining single-cell RNA sequencing technology with immune functional assays. The total number of γδ T cells and membrane markers of activation was not influenced by Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination. In contrast, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin changed γδ T cells' transcriptional programs and increased their responsiveness to heterologous bacterial and fungal stimuli, including lipopolysaccharide and Candida albicans, as simultaneously characterized by higher tumor necrosis factor and interferon γ production, weeks after vaccination. Human γδ T cells in adults display the potential to develop a trained immunity phenotype after Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination.

Novel cobalt(II) complex of a new 24-membered macrocyclic bis-Schiff base bearing 3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole: Synthesis, characterization, thermal and biological investigations

The synthesis of a new 24-membered macrocyclic bis-Schiff base, L1, and its corresponding binuclear cobalt(II) complex, [Co2(L1)2(Cl)4], 1, is reported. Compound L1 and complex 1 have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR, and UV-VIS spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the molecular structures of the synthesized compounds were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal structure of the binuclear cobalt(II) complex, 1, revealed that each ligand acts as a bidentate chelating one and links the metal ions through endocyclic nitrogen atoms of its 1,2,4-triazole moieties. The determined molecular structure as well as the UV-Vis studies indicated a tetrahedral geometry for complex 1. Moreover, the thermal stability of complex 1 has been investigated via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The product of pyrolysis of complex 1 was characterized as highly pure nano-scaled Co3O4 (mean crystallite size: 57 nm) by using a series of techniques including powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The biological activities of L1 and complex 1, including antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated. The antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, E. coli ATCC 29232) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus ATCC 25922) organisms. Also, the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans (C. albicans, ATCC 10231) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae, BY 4741) were used for antifungal tests. The synthesized cobalt(II) complex displayed moderate to good antifungal activity.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Antifungal and Antibacterial Abilities of Carbon Nanotubes Grafted to Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Nanocomposites.

Developing nanomaterials with the capacity to restrict the growth of bacteria and fungus is of current interest. In this study, nanocomposites of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with primary amine, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups were prepared and characterized. An analysis by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy showed that PHEMA chains were grafted to the functionalized CNTs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested that the grafting reaction was viable. The morphology of the prepared nanocomposites studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed significant changes with respect to the observed for pure PHEMA. The thermal behavior of the nanocomposites studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the functionalized CNTs strongly affect the mobility of the PHEMA chains. Tests carried out by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to calculate the degree of grafting of the PHEMA chains. The ability of the prepared nanocomposites to inhibit the growth of the fungus Candida albicans and the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli was evaluated. A reduced antifungal and antibacterial capacity of the prepared nanocomposites was determined.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of almonds extracts from kernel of two mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties grown in Korhogo (North of Ivory Coast)

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a fruit marketed worldwide. It is a third fruit exported by Côte d’Ivoire with 10000-15000 tons for annual production among 150000 tons. The by-products of mango such as kernel almonds are not pratically valued. Therefore, this work aims to determine phytochemical compound and evaluate antimicrobial activity of extracts from kernel almonds of mango varieties Kent and Keitt. Aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts were prepared with almonds flours of Kent (EtaqKE and EethKE) and Keitt (EtaqKI and EethKI) varieties. Phytochemical screening of the four extracts was performed by tube tests and thin layer chromatography. Antimicrobial activity of these extracts was evaluated in vitro with agar broth dilution method against three bacteria (Escheichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomans aeruginosa) and three fungi (Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes) involved in skin infections. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of polyphenols, sterols, terpenes, flavonoids, anthraquinones and saponins in all the four almonds extracts. Antimicrobial tests showed that, extracts EethKE and EethKI are the most active with MIC and MBC ranging respectively from 0.39 to 12.5 mg/mL and 12.5 to 50 mg/mL for bacteria. The extract EtaqKI is more active on bacteria and has a bactericidal action on P. aeruginosa and E. coli strains with ratio CMB/CMI of 4. The four almonds extracts have any activity on fungi strains tested. The presence of secondary metabolites and antibacterial activities of extracts of almond from kernels of mango Kent and Keitt varieties demonstrate that these extracts could have therapeutic and cosmetic applications.

In Vitro Efficacy of Hungarian Propolis against Bacteria, Yeast, and Trichomonas gallinae Isolated from Pigeons—A Possible Antibiotic Alternative?

The spread of antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious human and animal health problems of our time. Propolis is a natural substance with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activity, the most active components of which are polyphenols and terpenoids. In the present study, the authors investigated the efficacy of propolis against Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, Candida albicans fungi, and Trichomonas gallinae isolated from pigeons. For each pathogen, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum eradication concentration (MEC) of eight isolates were determined for 96%, 90%, 80%, 70%, and 60% ethanolic extracts of propolis from the region of Észak-Alföld. Propolis was shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, Candida albicans, and Trichomonas gallinae strains. Propolis showed a much better efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria (1.56–400 µg/mL) than against Gram-negative bacteria (>13,000 µg/mL). For Staphylococcus spp., MIC values ranged within 1.56–400 µg/mL and MEC values within 12.5–3260 µg/mL, while for Enterococcus spp. MIC values ranged within 1.56–400 µg/mL and MEC values within 12.5–800 µg/mL. MIC values > 13,000 µg/mL were found for Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica species. For Candida albicans, MIC values ranging from 1.56 to 400 µg/mL and MEC values ranging from 3.125 to 800 µg/mL were effective. MEC values between 2.5 and 5 mg/mL were observed for three Trichomonas gallinae strains. The effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria has, in some cases, approached that of antibiotics, making propolis a potential alternative in the treatment of wound infections. Its outstanding efficacy against Trichomonas gallinae holds promise as a potential alternative for treating this widespread infection in pigeons.

Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of hemolymph lectin (NagLec) isolated from the freshwater crab, Oziotelphusanaga

Lectins are non-immune glycoproteins or proteins having a unique capacity to interact with carbohydrate ligands found on the surface of their host cells. In the present investigation, the lectin was purified from the hemolymph of freshwater crab, Oziotelphusa naga and its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity was analysed. The preliminary characterization of the hemagglutinin was carried out to identify the erythrocyte and sugar specificity, optimum pH and temperature and cation dependency. The agglutinin was found to be highly specific to rabbit erythrocyte and inhibited by fetuin and α-lactose. Maximum hemagglutination activity was noted at pH 7.5–8 and temperature 20–40 °C. An O-acetyl sialic acid specific 75 kDa hemolymph lectin, designated as NagLec was isolated from the freshwater crab, Oziotelphusa naga by affinity chromatography on fetuin coupled Sepharose 4 B, with a purification fold of 185. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and fungus Candida albicans had the greatest zone of inhibition when treated with NagLec. The results of the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays showed that the purified lectin inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus at 0.031 and 0.065 μg/ml, which proved the bactericidal property of NagLec. NagLec generated alterations on the bacterial cells and led to protein leakage, which was dosage (24 and 48 μg/ml) and time dependent (10–40 min). COX and LOX enzyme was inhibited to 49.43% and 61.81% with 100 μg/ml concentration of NagLec respectively, demonstrating NagLec's ability to reduce inflammation. Furthermore, NagLec (500 μg) suppressed protein denaturation up to 77.12% whereas diclofenac sodium (a standard drug) was inhibited by 89.36%. The results indicate that NagLec, a sialic acid specific lectin isolated from the freshwater crab O. naga could be formulated as a nano drug in future owing to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential that could be targeted to specific pathogenic microbes and treat arthritis.

Characterization of potential probiotic and safety properties of Levilactobacillus brevis isolated from traditionally fermented milk, Amabere amaruranu

The study aimed to determine the probiotic and safety properties of a bacterial strain isolated from Kenyan traditionally fermented milk called Amabere amaruranu. Probiotic characteristics of the isolate were assessed based on its ability to survive artificial simulated conditions of the digestive tract including temperature sensitivity, low pH and phenol tolerance, and antagonistic activity against human bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium) and fungal (Candida albicans) pathogens. Safety analysis was based on hemolytic activity and antibiotic susceptibility against most common antibiotics namely: nalidixic acid, ampicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol using zone of diameter of inhibition (ZDI). The isolate survived and grew in low pH (2.0–3.5), tolerated 0.4% phenol, and survived temperature ranges of 20°C, 30°C, and 37°C but showed partially reduced growth at 45°C. It exhibited strong antagonism against all pathogens (ZDI>20 mm). Antagonism was strongest towards S. enterica serovar Typhimurium (ZDI = 59 mm) and lowest towards E. coli (ZDI = 33 mm). The isolate was sensitive to azithromycin (ZDI = 31± 2.08), chloramphenicol (ZDI = 26 ±2.34 mm), gentamycin (ZDI = 26 ±1.41mm), and tetracycline (ZDI = 32 ±1.73 mm), resistant to nalidixic acid (ZDI = 0.0 ±0.00 mm), while susceptibility towards ampicillin and ciprofloxacin was intermediate. The isolate also exhibited γ -hemolytic activity and was identified as a Levilactobacillus brevis strain based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate exhibited probiotic potential and was safe, affirming its potential application as a probiotic in the formulation of functional foods.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Polyester, Polylactide, and Cotton Nonwovens and Fabrics, by Means of Stable Aqueous Dispersions Containing Copper Silicate and Some Metal Oxides.

Literature reviews have described the applications of silver, copper, and zinc ions and metallic particles of Cu, Ti, and Zn oxides, which have been found to be useful antimicrobial reagents for the biofunctionalization of various materials and their surfaces. For this purpose, compositions of water dispersions containing emulsions of synthetic copolymers based on acrylic and vinyl monomers, polysaccharides (hydroxyethyl cellulose and starch), and various additives with wetting and stabilizing properties were used. Many stable water dispersions of different chemical compositions containing bioactive chemical compounds (copper silicate hydrate, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide (and other auxiliary substances)) were developed. They were used for the preparation of thin hybrid coatings having good antimicrobial properties against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), and yeast fungus (Candida albicans). Polyester (PES) and polylactide (PLA) nonwovens were modified using the dip-coating method, while PES and cotton fabrics were biofunctionalized by means of dip-coating and coating methods. The antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) properties of the textile materials (nonwovens and fabrics) biofunctionalized with the above-mentioned bioactive agents exhibiting antimicrobial properties (CuSiO3, TiO2, ZnO, or ZnO∙SiO2) were strongly dependent on the agents' content in the water dispersions. The PES and PLA nonwovens, modified on the surface with water compositions containing copper silicate hydrate, showed good antibacterial properties against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, even at a content of 1 wt.% CuSiO3∙xH2O, and against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, at the content of at least 5 wt.% CuSiO3∙xH2O. The bacterial growth reduction factor (R) was greater than 99% for most of the samples tested. Good antifungal properties against the fungus Candida albicans were found for the PES and PLA nonwoven fabrics modified with dispersions containing 5-7 wt.% CuSiO3∙xH2O and 4.2-5.0 wt.% TiO2. The addition of TiO2 led to a significant improvement in the antifungal properties of the PES and PLA nonwovens modified in this way. For the samples of PES WIFP-270 and FS F-5 nonwovens, modified with water dispersions containing 5.0 wt.% CuSiO3∙xH2O and 4.2-5.0 wt.% TiO2, the growth reduction factor for the fungus Candida albicans (R) reached values in the range of 80.9-98.0%. These new biofunctionalized polymeric nonwoven textile materials can find practical applications in the manufacture of filters for hospital air-conditioning systems and for the automotive industry, as well as in air purification devices. Moreover, similar antimicrobial modification of fabrics with the dip-coating or coating methods can be applied, for example, in the fabrication of fungi- and mold-resistant garden furniture.

Chemical composition and biological activities of the infusion of leaves of Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O.Berg: Tea with nutraceutical and medicinal potential

Plants of the genus Campomanesia (Myrtaceae) are traditionally used for medicinal purposes, with biological activities associated with the presence of phenolic compounds. However, the species Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg still needs studies regarding both chemical composition and biological activities. In this context, the study aimed to analyze the chemical composition by UV/Vis, infrared and UHPLC-DAD and the antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of the infusion of leaves of C. guazumifolia. The DPPH•, ABTS•+, and FRAP methods determined the antioxidant potential. The lethal dose (LD50) in Artemia salina L. (Artemiidae) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in bacteria and fungus were determined. Gallic acid, caffeine, and rutin were quantified, as well as 9 amino acids. This is the first report of caffeine within the genus Campomanesia. The sample showed antioxidant potentials, low toxicity to A. salina, and antimicrobial activity against bacterias Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus and fungus Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis. The infusion of C. guazumifolia leaves is a nutraceutical tea with antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials and presents phenolic compounds, amino acids and caffeine in its composition.

Analytical Profiling of Saffron (Crocus sativus) using 1H-NMR and FTIR based Metabolomics approach and UV-Vis, HPTLC and TLC Chromatography Fingerprinting

Crocus sativus L. commonly known as saffron or Kesar in India, is an important medicinal herb in Ayurveda and has been traditionally used for treatment of neurological disorders, for depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. It is uses as a coloring and flavouring agent in the preparation of various foods. Modern research has high lighted its beneficial effects in treatment of cardiovascular action, diabetic cataract, and as a potent antiinflammatory herb. Due to its high cost its quality control is of utmost importance to ensure its authenticity, purity and its medicinal properties. In the preset study the we have used Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis, High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint, UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) based metabolomic study for quality control and characterization of saffron. The antibacterial and antifungal activity were evaluated using agar well-diffusion method in two pathogenic bacterial strains, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and two pathogenic fungal strains, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus brasiliensis. The 1H NMR spectroscopy couples with FTIR analysis leads to identifcation of the secondary metabolites of saffron like crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal on basis of reported diagonostic signals and peaks. The antimicrobial activity showed moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity. The TLC and HPTLC profile reveals the characteristic fingerprint. Overall the present study showed that the 1H-NMR, FTIR based metabolomics approach and TLC and HPTLC metabolite profiling can be powerful strategy for maintaining the holistic quality of the saffron.

Turonicin A, an Antifungal Linear Polyene Polyketide from an Australian Streptomyces sp.

Turonicin A (1) was isolated from Streptomyces sp. MST-123921, which was recovered from soil collected on the banks of the Turon River in New South Wales, Australia. Turonicin A (1) is an amphoteric linear polyene polyketide featuring independent pentaene and tetraenone chromophores and is structurally related to linearmycins A-C (2-4). The structure of 1 was determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis and comparison to literature data. Bioinformatic analysis of the linearmycin biosynthetic gene cluster also allowed the previously unresolved absolute stereostructures of 2-4 to be elucidated. Turonicin A (1) exhibited very potent activity against the fungi Candida albicans (MIC 0.0031 μg/mL, 2.7 nM) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MIC 0.0008 μg/mL, 0.7 nM), moderate activity against the bacteria Bacillus subtilis (MIC 0.097 μg/mL, 85 nM) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 0.39 μg/mL, 340 nM), and no cytotoxicity against human fibroblasts, making it an attractive candidate for further development as a potential next-generation antibiotic scaffold.

Bioactivities of β-mangostin and its new glycoside derivatives synthesized by enzymatic reactions.

Beta-mangostin is a xanthone commonly found in the genus Garcinia. Unlike α-mangostin, to date, there have only been a few studies on the biological activity and derivatization of β-mangostin. In this study, two novel glycosylated derivatives of β-mangostin were successfully synthesized via a one-pot enzymatic reaction. These derivatives were characterized as β-mangostin 6-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and β-mangostin 6-O-β-d-2-deoxyglucopyranoside by TOF ESI/MS and 1H and 13C NMR analyses. Beta-mangostin showed cytotoxicity against KB, MCF7, A549 and HepG2 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 15.42 to 21.13 µM. The acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of β-mangostin were determined with IC50 values of 2.17 and 27.61 µM, respectively. A strong anti-microbial activity of β-mangostin against Gram-positive strains (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus fermentum and Staphylococcus aureus) was observed, with IC50 values of 0.16, 0.18 and 1.24 µg ml-1, respectively. Beta-mangostin showed weaker activity against Gram-negative strains (Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) as well as Candida albicans fungus, with IC50 and MIC values greater than the tested concentration (greater than 32 µg ml-1). The new derivatives of β-mangostin showed weaker activities than those of β-mangostin, demonstrating the important role of the hydroxyl group at C-6 of β-mangostin in its bioactivity.

Investigation of active laser delivery and antimycotic activity of zinc-containing nanomaterials and photodynamic drugs in the treatment of onychomicosis

One of the most common nail pathologies is onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection. The low efficiency of existing methods for the treatment of onychomycosis stimulates the search for new drugs and technologies for their delivery under the nail plate. The aim of the investigation was to study the possibility of using Er:YLF laser radiation for sequential laser microporation of the human nail plate and active laser delivery of modern photodynamic preparations and zinc-containing nanomaterials under the nail plate, as well as to determine their antimycotic activity against the Candida albicans fungus under photodynamic exposure with a wavelength of 656±10 nm. A 0.001 % aqueous solution of methylene blue, a chlorine-containing Revixan gel, as well as zinc-containing nanomaterials, which are aqueous solutions of polyvinylpyrrolidone gel with different concentrations of Zn(NO3)2 nanoparticles and acidity, were studied. It was established that the smallest number of laser pulses required for in vitro microporation of the nail plate and active laser delivery under the nail plate is required when using a 0.001 % aqueous solution of methylene blue, and the largest is required when using Revixan gel. For zinc-containing nanomaterials, an increase in the concentration of Zn(NO3)2 nanoparticles from 14 to 40 % leads to an increase in the number of laser pulses required for active drug delivery under the nail plate by 1.25 times, while a change in the acidity of the pH gel from 7.0 to 6.7 does not has a significant impact on it. It was found that all the studied drugs in combination with photodynamic action at a wavelength of 656±10 nm have an antimycotic effect on the Candida albicans fungus culture. The minimum growth rate of Candida albicans colonies was observed when using the Revixan gel, for which the antimycotic activity reached 73.8 %. The obtained results can be applied in the development of laser systems and technologies for the treatment of fungal diseases, including for photodynamic therapy of onychomycosis.

Enhancing Antifungal Treatment of Candida albicans with Hypericin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers in Hydrogels: Characterization, In Vitro, and In Vivo Photodynamic Evaluation.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a worldwide public health problem caused predominantly by the opportunistic polymorphic fungus Candida albicans, whose pathogenicity is associated with its morphological adaptability. To potentiate the treatment of C. albicans-induced VVC by an alternative method as photodynamic therapy (PDT), hypericin (Hy), a potent photosensitizer compound was incorporated into a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) and dispersed in hydrogel (HG). After preparation of the sonication process, an NLC loaded with Hy was dispersed in HG based on Poloxamer 407 and chitosan obtaining Hy.NLC-HG. This hydrogel system was physically and chemically characterized and its in vitro and in vivo photodynamic and antifungal effects were evaluated. Through scanning electron microscopy, it was possible to observe a hydrogel system with a porous polymeric matrix and irregular microcavities. The Hy.NLC-HG system showed mucoadhesive properties (0.45 ± 0.08 N) and a satisfactory injectability (15.74 ± 4.75 N.mm), which indicates that it can be easily applied in the vaginal canal, in addition to a controlled and sustained Hy release profile from the NLC-HG of 28.55 ± 0.15% after 720 min. The in vitro antibiofilm assay significantly reduced the viability of C. albicans (p < 0.001) by 1.2 log10 for Hy.NLC-HG/PDT and 1.9 log10 for PS/PDT, Hy.NLC/PDT, and free RB/PDT, compared to the PBS/PDT negative control. The in vivo antifungal evaluation showed that animals treated with the vaginal cream (non-PDT) and the PDT-mediated Hy.NLC-HG system showed a significant difference of p < 0.001 in the number of C. albicans colonies (log) in the vaginal canal, compared to the inoculation control group. Thus, we demonstrate the pharmaceutical, antifungal, and photodynamic potential of hydrogel systems for Hy vaginal administration.

Transcriptional regulation of the synthesis and secretion of farnesol in the fungus Candida albicans: Examination of the Homann transcription regulator knockout collection.

Candida albicans is an efficient colonizer of human gastrointestinal tracts and skin and is an opportunistic pathogen. C. albicans exhibits morphological plasticity and the ability to switch between yeast and filamentous morphologies is associated with virulence. One regulator of this switch is the quorum sensing molecule farnesol which is produced by C. albicans throughout growth. However, the synthesis, secretion, regulation, and turnover of farnesol is not fully understood. To address this, we used our improved farnesol assay to screen a transcription regulator knockout library for differences in farnesol accumulation in whole cultures, pellets, and supernatants. All screened mutants produced farnesol and they averaged 9.2X more farnesol in the pellet than the supernatant. Nineteen mutants had significant differences with ten mutants producing more farnesol than their SN152+ wild-type control strain while nine produced less. Seven mutants exhibited greater secretion of farnesol while two exhibited less. We examined the time course for farnesol accumulation in six mutants with the greatest accumulation differences and found that those differences persisted throughout growth and they were not time dependent. Significantly, two high accumulating mutants did not exhibit the decay in farnesol levels during stationary phase characteristic of wild type C. albicans, suggesting that a farnesol modification/degradation mechanism is absent in these mutants. Identifying these transcriptional regulators provides new insight into farnesol's physiological functions regarding cell cycle progression, white-opaque switching, yeast-mycelial dimorphism, and response to cellular stress.

The Activity of Active Compounds of Papaya Leaf (Carica Papaya L.) in Inhibiting the Growth of Fungus Candida Albicans in the Oral Cavity

Candida albicans is the most frequently isolated candida species from the oral cavity. The overgrowth of C. albicans can cause opportunistic infections in the oral cavity, called oral candidiasis. On the other hand, papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) have benefits and are efficacious as antifungal drugs. The results of various studies reveal that papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) contain various active compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins, which can inhibit the growth of C. albicans fungus. This literature review, therefore, aims to ascertain the activity of active compounds in papaya leaves in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans in the oral cavity

Identification of Obscurolide-Type Metabolites and Antifungal Metabolites from the Termite-Associated Streptomyces neopeptinius BYF101.

Streptomyces spp. are well-known symbiotic microorganisms that produce antimicrobial metabolites against various pathogens. We isolated actinomycetes from the body surface of the termite Odontotermes formosanus and identified it as Streptomyces neopeptinius BYF101 based on 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis. Chemical analysis of the cultures of termite-associated S. neopeptinius BYF101 via HR-MS2 and GNPS analyses enabled the isolation and identification of 20 metabolites, including the unreported obscurolide-type metabolites (1-3). The chemical structures of unreported compounds (1-3) were elucidated using HR-ESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR analysis, and their absolute configurations were determined via chemical reactions followed by the application of competing enantioselective acylation (CEA) and computational methods for ECD and DP4+ probability calculation. The isolated compounds (1-20) were tested to determine their antifungal activity against two human fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Among the compounds tested, indole-3-carboxylic acid (9) displayed antifungal activity against C. neoformans, with an MIC value of 12 μg/mL.

Preparation and Characterization of Nano-Sized Co(II), Cu(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II) Coordination PAA/Alginate Biopolymers and Study of Their Biological and Anticancer Performance

Four of the crosslinked sodium alginate and polyacrylic acid biopolymers based nanoscale metal natural polysaccharides, [M(AG-PAA)Cl(H2O)3], where M = Co(II), Cu(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II), AG = sodium alginate and PAA = polyacrylic acid, have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Because of their numerous biological and pharmacological activities of polysaccharides, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, antiviral, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and anticoagulant activities, polysaccharides are one of the near-promising candidates in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. The complexity of the polymeric compounds has been verified by carbon and nitrogen analysis, magnetic and conductance measurements, FT-IR spectra, electronic spectral analysis and thermal analysis (DTA, TG). All the synthesized complexes were non-electrolytes with magnetic moments ranging from 1.74 to 5.94 BM. The polymeric complexes were found to be of octahedral geometry. The developed coordination polymeric was found to be crystalline using X-ray powder diffraction examinations, which is confirmed by the SEM analysis. As a result, the crystallite size of all polymeric nanocrystals was in the range of 14 - 69 nm. The test of four compounds exhibits a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungal Candida albicans. Using DPPH as a substrate, studies on radical scavenging tests are carried out. The findings demonstrated the antioxidant activities of each complex. In addition, results showed that the two chosen polymeric complexes had a good ability to kill cancer cells in a dose-dependent way. The copper(II) polymeric complex showed to its superior functionality as evidenced by microbial activity. After 72 h of interaction with the normal human breast epithelial cells (MCF10A), the synthesized polymeric compounds of Cu(II) and Co(II) showed exceptional cytocompatibility with the different applied doses. Compared to poly-AG/PAA/Co(II), poly-AG/PAA/Cu(II) exhibits a greater anticancer potential at various polymeric dosages.