In Vitro Assessment of the Immobilized Mannanase Enzyme Against Infection-Causing Candida

Abstract

Background: Developing an effective treatment for fungal infections is among contemporary medicine’s challenges. In this study we aimed to eradicate mannan in pathogenic Candidae’s cell walls using a nontoxic method, mannanase. Materials & Methods: We investigated the in vitro antifungal activities of mannanase immobilized on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONps) and reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles (RGONps), as well as therapeutics against Candidae. Mannanase was purified from Bacillus invictae (activity: 5.15 EU/ml; range: 60–80%) and then immobilized it to ZnO and RGO to enhance its effectiveness. Results: Mannanase immobilized on ZnONps had the highest activity, with a value of 4.97 EU/ml, more effective than amphotericin-B. However, it could not reach the inhibition rates of other antifungals. Conclusion: Mannanase immobilized on ZnONps could be an effective fungicide for Candida biocontrol.

Keywords::

• Bacillus invictae
• Candida glabrata
• Candida albicans
• Candida inhibition
• Candida krusei
• Candida parapsilosis
• immobilization
• mannanase
• RGONp
• ZnONp

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank N Dikbaş, one of the faculty members of Atatürk University Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and S Uçar for their help in the laboratory phase of their research.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.