Work

Anti-Candida Activity of Cysteine-Modified Amidated Decoralin in the Presence of Engineered Nanomaterials

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Candidiasis remains a chief concern in global healthcare. Drug safety issues and increasing resistance make it urgent to develop alternative antifungal agents, namely antimicrobial peptides. Amidated decoralin (Dec-CONH2) possesses considerable anti-Candida activity, and its association with nanocarriers could help in enhancing efficacy while reducing intrinsic toxicity to the host. Methods: We studied an N-terminal cysteine-modified version of the peptide (Cys-Dec-CONH2) and screened the effects of different nanosystems (polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), liposomes and gold NPs) on its activity against azole-sensitive and azole-resistant Candida species using a clinically relevant in vitro assay. Results: The antifungal activity of Cys-Dec-CONH2 was maintained (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 16–64 µg/mL), but the presence of poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)- and polycaprolactone-based NPs impaired the antifungal effect of the peptide (MIC > 256 µg/mL). This effect was milder for polystyrene-based NPs, liposomes, and gold NPs (MIC ≤ 128 µg/mL). Additionally, the covalent surface functionalization of PLGA-based NPs with Cys-Dec-CONH2 or the presence of relevant biomolecules (albumin and mucin) resulted in complete inhibition of antifungal activity. Conclusions: Our data suggest that Cys-Dec-CONH2 is able to establish strong interfacial interactions with different nanomaterials, which need to be considered when developing nanomedicines based on this peptide for the management of candidiasis.

Source: Pharmaceutics

DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17040460

Authors: Vânia Rocha, Helena Almeida, Bruno Sarmento, José das Neves

Institutions: i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Albel Salazar, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde

Language: English

Topic: Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities

Subfield: Microbiology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499