Photodynamic Therapy-Mediated Extirpation of Cutaneous-Resistant Dermatophytosis with Ag@Zno Nanoparticles: An Efficient Therapeutic Approach for Onychomycosis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether photodynamic therapy of resistant onychomycosis with Ag@ZnO nanoparticles can promote the treatment procedure and extirpates the recurrence of fungal infection. Methods: Ag@ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) under UVB-radiation were applied to treat T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes in vitro through photodynamic therapy. In vivo therapeutic efficacy, biocompatibility and biodistribution of Ag@ZnO NPs were studied. Results: 40 μg/ml of UVB-activated Ag@ZnO NPs showed 100% antifungal activity against dermatophytosis in vitro and in vivo followed by complete growth prevention by degeneration of spores and mycelium after 180 days, while posed biocompatibility. Conclusion: This study showed the superiority of photodynamic therapy with Ag@ZnO NPs followed by proper regeneration of the skin with Zinc ion of the shell.

Graphical abstract

Keywords::

• Ag@ZnO nanoparticles
• dermatophytes
• onychomycosis
• photodynamic therapy
• ROS

Supplementary data

To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/nnm-2021-0138

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This study was supported by the Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS) through grant no. 97-01-87-37512. The authors have no other 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 apart from those disclosed.

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

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS) through grant no. 97-01-87-37512. The authors have no other 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 apart from those disclosed.