The Antifungal Effect of Silver, Copper Nanoparticles, and Their Combination and in combination with Amphotericin B against Candida albicans In Vitro and in Animal Model

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Candida is a genus of yeasts and is considered as the most common cause of fungal infections in the medical world. In this research, the antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, and their combination and with amphotericin B, was investigated in order to produce an effective antimicrobial drug against against infections caused by Candida albicans.   Methods: In this experimental study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, and their combination form and in combination with amphotericin B, was performed based on microdilution method. Then, their antifungal effect was investigated in infected mouse model.   Results: MIC and MFC of silver nanoparticles for Candida albicans were, respectively, 8 ppm and 15.50 ppm, of copper nanoparticles were 62.50ppm and 125 ppm, and of their combination form were 31 ppm and 62.50 ppm. MIC and MFC of silver nanoparticles in combination with amphotericin B for Candida albicans were, respectively, 15.50ppm and 31ppm, and for the combination of copper nanoparticles and amphotericin B against Candida albicans was obtained 8ppm and 15.50ppm. The mouse model study confirmed the antifungal effect of the nanoparticles against Candida albicans; so that silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, and their combination showed the highest antifungal effect, and combination of silver or copper nanoparticles with amphotericin B had the lowest antifungal effect in the animal model.   Conclusion: The results showed that silver, copper nanoparticles, and their combination form have higher antimicrobial effect compared to antifungal amphotericin B.    

Keywords

• candida albicans
• antifungal agents
• nanoparticles
• amphotericin b.