Fabrication and Evaluation of PVA-NYS-THY Nanofiber Scaffolds as Antifungal Agents Against Fluconazole-resistant Candida glabrata

Introduction: The emergence of fluconazole-resistant Candida glabrata presents a significant challenge in antifungal therapy, necessitating the development of alternative treatment strategies. C. glabrata, an opportunistic yeast, is increasing resistance to common antifungals like fluconazole, often due to efflux pump overexpression, leading to compromised treatment efficacy, higher mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. This study focused on fabricating and evaluating polyvinyl alcohol-nystatin-thymol (PVA-NYS-THY) nanofibrous scaffolds as a novel antifungal approach against fluconazole-resistant C. glabrata. Materials & Methods: Clinical isolates were identified and assessed for resistance using culture methods, molecular assays, and antifungal susceptibility testing. PVA-NYS-THY nanofibers, produced via electrospinning, exhibited uniform fibers with an average diameter of ~۱۰۰ nm as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of functional groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to evaluate the nanofibers’ effect on the expression of secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAP) and agglutinin-like sequence (ALS) gene. Scaffold release kinetics were characterized, and antifungal efficacy was assessed using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays.Results: PVA-NYS-THY scaffolds showed favorable release profiles and significantly downregulated ALS and SAP gene expression. MIC values for PVA-NYS-THY, PVA-NYS, and PVA-THY were ۷.۸۱, ۱۵.۶۲, and ۶۲.۵ µg/mL, respectively, demonstrating superior antifungal activity of the PVA-NYS-THY formulation.Conclusion: These findings suggest PVA-NYS-THY nanofibrous scaffolds offer a promising therapeutic strategy for combating fluconazole-resistant C. glabrata, providing a novel solution to overcome current limitations in antifungal treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Antifungal activity ، Biocompatible materials ، drug delivery ، Nystatin (NYS) ، Thymol (THY)