| Topical Photodynamic Therapy of Resistant Dermatophytes by Ag@ZnO Nanocomposites: An In-vivo Study |
| Paper ID : 1547-ICNS |
| Authors: |
|
Behnaz Ghaemi * Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran |
| Abstract: |
| Traditional approaches for the treatment of onychomycosis have not shown acceptable efficacy as current medicines commonly face side effects and recurrence of infection. Nanotechnology-based strategies can bypass the drawbacks faced by traditional approaches, including drug resistance and targeted delivery to the desired infected area. Available reports indicate that nanoparticles disturb cell wall integrity of fungi, enhance permeability and generate ROS/RNS through photodynamic therapy. To meet the expectations for efficient treatment of onychomycosis, we applied highly ROS generator Ag@ZnO nanocomposite (NCs) under UV radiation to treat T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes in-vitro. Also, in-vivo therapeutic efficacy, biocompatibility, and biodistribution of Ag@ZnO NCs were compared to clotrimazole for topical treatment of dermatophytosis using the guinea pig model. Results confirmed the efficacy of UV-activated Ag@ZnO NCs in obtaining significant outcomes in the treatment of dermatophytosis and growth prevention by degeneration of fungal spores and mycelium, in-vitro and in-vivo. Also, Pre-incubation of skin fibroblast cells with Ag@ZnO NCs and in-vivo biosafety and biodistribution studies highlighted the biocompatible properties of Ag@ZnO NCs. |
| Keywords: |
| Ag@ZnO Nanocomposites; ROS; Dermatophytes; Onychomycosis; Photodynamic Therapy |
| Status : Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |