Exploration of New Plant-Based Nanoparticles with Potential Antifungal Activity and their Mode of Action

Green synthesis of nanoparticles has gathered attention, since it is sustainable, reliable and eco-friendly. It can be used as an alternative to reduce the harmful effects of traditional chemical and physical methods. Moreover, the method is fast, cost effective and safe. Plant extracts contain secondary metabolites that promote reduction, formation and stabilization of nanoparticles; they help in the synthesis by reducing metal ions in case of metallic nanoparticles. Plant-based nanoparticles exhibit small size, high surface area, excellent stability and versatility. They display antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer properties. Candida species are human commensals, but undergo transition into pathogenic forms in immunocompromised patients. Candida albicans is considered as the most important fungal pathogen, but in recent years, non-albicans Candida species, such as C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. glabrata and C. auris, are associated with community and nosocomially acquired infections with high rate of transmissibility and limited treatment options. The emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida species like C. auris, along with intrinsically drug-resistant species (C. krusei), has become an important cause of concern for medical community. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop novel antifungal agents for the treatment of fungal infections, and plant-based nanoparticles are considered as viable alternative options to combat various fungal infections.