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Agar–Agar Gels Carrying Curative and Preventive Agents Against Helminths: An In Vitro Compatibility Evaluation

Summary

This research demonstrates that a new gel made from edible seaweed (agar-agar) can safely deliver deworming medications to animals while also containing a beneficial fungus that destroys parasite eggs in soil. Tests showed that the deworming drugs piperazine and levamisole did not interfere with the fungus’s ability to grow and reproduce. This combined approach could provide both immediate treatment and long-term prevention of parasitic infections in pets and farm animals.

Background

Helminth infections in animals cause significant economic burden globally, with the animal parasiticide market valued at USD 12.9 billion in 2024. Traditional deworming provides only temporary cures without preventive effects. Parasitophagous fungi like Mucor circinelloides have demonstrated ability to destroy helminth eggs in soil, representing a potential preventive strategy.

Objective

This study evaluated the compatibility and effectiveness of combining anthelmintic drugs (piperazine and levamisole) with the parasitophagous fungus Mucor circinelloides cultured in edible agar-agar biopolymer. The aim was to develop a novel formulation that provides both curative and preventive actions against helminth infections.

Results

Strong fungal growth and high numbers of spores were observed in all treatments. No significant differences were found between control plates and those containing piperazine or levamisole at any concentration tested. The fungus successfully developed and produced chlamydospores in the presence of both anthelmintics, indicating full compatibility.

Conclusion

Agar-agar biopolymers containing anthelmintics are compatible with M. circinelloides and represent a promising strategy for simultaneous deworming of animals and prevention of reinfection through soil contamination reduction. This novel formulation could improve parasite control through combined curative and preventive mechanisms.
  • Published in:Gels,
  • Study Type:In Vitro Compatibility Evaluation,
  • Source: PMID: 40710704, DOI: 10.3390/gels11070542
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