Issue 2, 2024

Nature-derived gelatin-based antifungal nanotherapeutics for combatting Candida albicans biofilms

Abstract

Infections caused by fungi are emerging global health challenges that are exacerbated by the formation of fungal biofilms. Further challenges arise from environmental contamination with antifungal agents, which promotes environmental acquisition of antifungal resistance. We report the generation of an efficient, sustainable, all-natural antifungal nanotherapeutic based on the integration of an antimicrobial natural essential oil into a gelatin-based nanoemulsion platform. Carvacrol-loaded gelatin nanoemulsions penetrated Candida albicans biofilms, resulting in death of C. albicans cells in biofilms, and displayed selective biofilm elimination without harmful effects on fibroblast cells in a fungal biofilm-mammalian fibroblast co-culture model. Furthermore, the nanoemulsions degraded in the presence of physiologically relevant biomolecules, reducing the potential for environmental pollution and ecotoxicity. Overall, the sustainability, and efficacy of the described gelatin nanoemulsion formulation provides an environmentally friendly strategy for treating biofilm-associated fungal infections, including those caused by drug-resistant fungi.

Graphical abstract: Nature-derived gelatin-based antifungal nanotherapeutics for combatting Candida albicans biofilms

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
08 Qas 2023
Accepted
02 Xim 2023
First published
09 Xim 2023

Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 637-644

Nature-derived gelatin-based antifungal nanotherapeutics for combatting Candida albicans biofilms

A. Nabawy, J. M. Makabenta, J. Park, R. Huang, V. Nayar, R. Patel and V. M. Rotello, Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024, 11, 637 DOI: 10.1039/D3EN00372H

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