Biosynthesized Dextran Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles With Antifungal Activity

Biofilm formation is a challenging problem of the modem world, the most serious implications being associated with severe microbial infections in humans. The solution can be the use of nanostructures which might interact directly with the microorganism's cell envelope. We engineered dextran coated iron oxide nanoparticles, loaded with propiconazole, in order to test the hypothesis of a combined effect of the polymer and drug, both known for their antifungal activities. Magnetic nanoparticles were coated with biosynthesized dextran (obtained from an exopolysaccharides producing strain) of 1% and 2% concentrations, followed by the embedding of propiconazole onto the dextran shell. FT-IR, EDX, DLS and TEM measurements showed a successful polymer coating, while the 2% formulation nanoparticles revealed an activity on Candida albicans strain, breaking 77% of biofilm. The improved version of the system (loaded with propiconazole) showed a maximum antifungal activity on C. albicans, in both planktonic and biofilm phase.