Aim: To assemble, characterize and assess the antifungal effects of a new fluconazole (FLZ)-carrier nanosystem. Materials & methods: The nanosystem was prepared by loading FLZ on chitosan (CS)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Antifungal effects were evaluated on planktonic cells (by minimum inhibitory concentration determination) and on biofilms (by quantification of cultivable cells, total biomass, metabolism and extracellular matrix) of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Results: Characterization results ratified the formation of a nanosystem (<320 nm) with FLZ successfully embedded. IONPs-CS-FLZ nanosystem reduced minimum inhibitory concentration values and, in general, showed similar antibiofilm effects compared with FLZ alone. Conclusion: IONPs-CS-FLZ nanosystem was more effective than FLZ mainly in inhibiting Candida planktonic cells. This nanocarrier has potential to fight fungal infections.
Keywords: Candida; biofilms; chitosan; fluconazole; iron oxide nanoparticles.