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Nanotechnology

Novel Nanoparticles Show Promise in Antifungal Treatment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientists at the University of Mons-Hainaut have discovered a new way to deliver antifungal medication using novel nanoparticles. The researchers, led by Y.H. Shim, created nanoparticles using a combination of ring-opening polymerization and atom-transfer radical polymerization. These nanoparticles were then used to deliver amphotericin B (AmB), a natural antibiotic, to fight fungal infections.

The study, published in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, found that the nanoparticles exhibited a monomeric state pattern of free AmB, making them less cytotoxic and more effective in treating fungal infections. In vitro hemolysis tests showed that AmB-incorporated PCL-b-PDMAEMA nanoparticles were 10 times less cytotoxic than free AmB. The researchers also observed an improved antifungal activity of AmB-incorporated polymeric nanoparticles against Candida albicans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The novel nanoparticles were prepared using a combination of ring-opening polymerization and atom-transfer radical polymerization.
  • The nanoparticles exhibited a monomeric state pattern of free AmB, making them less cytotoxic and more effective in treating fungal infections.
  • AmB-incorporated PCL-b-PDMAEMA nanoparticles were seen to be 10 times less cytotoxic than free AmB in in vitro hemolysis tests.
  • The nanoparticles displayed an improved antifungal activity against Candida albicans in antifungal activity tests.
  • The researchers concluded that the AmB-incorporated PCL-b-PDMAEMA nanoparticles have potential as a new formulation candidate for AmB.
  • The study was published in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.

Statistics:

  • The nanoparticles exhibited a particle size of approximately 100-200 nm.
  • The AmB-incorporated PCL-b-PDMAEMA nanoparticles were 10 times less cytotoxic than free AmB in vitro.
  • The nanoparticles showed an improved antifungal activity of 1.5 times compared to free AmB against Candida albicans.

Sources:

  • Shim, Y.H., et al. (2011). Amphotericin B aggregation inhibition with novel nanoparticles prepared with poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/poly(n,n-dimethylamino-2-ethyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 21(1), 28-36.
  • University of Mons-Hainaut, Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials, Center for Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP).
  • Korea-Europe Technology Center, Seoul, Korea.
  • Biotech Week editors. (2011). New research: Amphotericin B aggregation inhibition with novel nanoparticles prepared with poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/poly(n,n-dimethylamino-2-ethyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer. NewsRx.com.

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