Enhanced antifungal efficacy of copper and bimetallic copper–silver nanoparticles stabilized with chitosan from Archachatina marginata shells and extract of Citrus sinensis peel (ECSP)
摘要
Candida albicans, a highly virulent fungus, poses a significant healthcare challenge due to its ability to cause infections and the limitations of current antifungal therapies. Existing drugs often have limited targets and can be toxic because fungi and humans share some cellular machinery. This study explores the potential of copper (Cu) and bimetallic copper–silver (BCu–Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) with chitosan (CS) as novel antifungal nanotherapeutics against Candida albicans. Cu and BCu–Ag nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple method with chitosan, derived from the shells of Archachatina marginata, as a stabilizer and extract of Citrus sinensis peel (ECSP) as a reducing and antioxidizing agent. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Ultra Violet Visible Spectrometry (UV–Vis) confirmed the formation and properties of the Cu and BCu–Ag NPs. Characterization results indicated that Cu nanoparticles were spherical with an average size of 75.01 nm, while Cu–Ag nanoparticles were spheroidal or quasi-spherical with an average size of 46.69 nm. Chitosan nanoparticles displayed polygonal shapes with an average size of 49.90 nm. Cu, BCu–Ag, and CS NPs demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with inhibition zones measuring 38.00 mm for chitosan, 46.70 mm for chitosan copper, and 54.70 mm for bimetallic copper–silver. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined to be 5.0 mg/mL for chitosan, 0.078 mg/mL for chitosan copper, and 0.039 mg/mL for bimetallic copper–silver. These findings suggest that these nanoparticles have significant potential as new antifungal agents, warranting further exploration for various healthcare applications.