nanotechnology – Page 5

Recent innovations and challenges in the treatment of fungal infections

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Fungal infections are becoming more common and harder to treat due to drug resistance, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Current antifungal medications are becoming less effective because fungi are adapting to resist them, and these drugs can cause serious side effects. Scientists are developing new treatment strategies using combinations of existing drugs, engineered biological approaches, and specially designed delivery systems to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Antifungal efficacy of caffeic acid and nano-caffeic acid particles against candidiasis: an in vitro study

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Researchers developed a nano-particle form of caffeic acid, a natural compound found in coffee and tea, to treat oral yeast infections (candidiasis). The nano-version showed better antifungal activity than regular caffeic acid, though not as strong as prescription antifungal drugs. Since it comes from plants with fewer side effects, it could offer an alternative treatment option for patients with candidiasis.

Antifungal activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Fusarium equiseti phytopathogen isolated from tomato plant in Nepal

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Researchers in Nepal developed a natural way to fight tomato plant diseases by creating tiny zinc oxide nanoparticles from tea leaves. These nanoparticles successfully stopped the growth of a harmful fungus called Fusarium equiseti that was damaging tomato crops. Unlike chemical fungicides that can harm the environment, this eco-friendly approach damaged the fungus’s cell structures without posing risks to surrounding ecosystems, offering farmers a safer way to protect their crops.

Graphene nanomaterials: A new frontier in preventing respiratory fungal infections

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Graphene nanomaterials, especially nano-graphene oxide, show promise as new treatments for serious lung fungal infections that particularly threaten people with weakened immune systems. These tiny materials work by generating damaging reactive oxygen species that kill fungal cells and prevent biofilm formation. Unlike traditional antifungal drugs, nano-graphene oxide can be delivered directly to infected lung tissue via inhalation, delivering medicine exactly where needed while reducing harmful side effects throughout the body.

Ganoderma lucidum inspired silver nanoparticles and its biomedical applications with special reference to drug resistant Escherichia coli isolates from CAUTI

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Researchers created tiny silver particles using a medicinal mushroom called Ganoderma lucidum to fight dangerous bacteria that resist antibiotics and are associated with urinary catheter infections. These nanoparticles were found to effectively kill drug-resistant bacteria, work as antioxidants better than a common antioxidant standard, and showed promise in killing breast cancer cells. This eco-friendly approach offers a natural alternative to conventional antibiotics for treating serious antibiotic-resistant infections.

Recent Advances in Fabrication of Durable, Transparent, and Superhydrophobic Surfaces

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This review explores how scientists create special water-repellent coatings that are also transparent and long-lasting. These coatings are inspired by natural surfaces like lotus leaves and could be used on windows, phone screens, and solar panels. The main challenge is balancing three competing demands: making surfaces water-repellent, keeping them clear, and ensuring they survive wear and tear.

Microbial-Based Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: A Comparative Review of Bacteria- and Fungi-Mediated Approaches

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Scientists have developed environmentally friendly ways to create tiny silver particles using bacteria and fungi instead of harsh chemicals. These silver nanoparticles can fight bacteria, help treat cancer, clean contaminated water, and improve food packaging. The review shows that bacteria produce particles quickly but fungi are better for large-scale production and create more stable particles.

Conjugation of a Cryptococcus neoformans-derived metalloprotease to antifungal-loaded PLGA nanoparticles treats neural cryptococcosis in an in vitro model

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Researchers developed tiny nanoparticle carriers coated with a fungal enzyme that helps them cross the protective barrier around the brain. These particles were loaded with an antifungal drug to treat brain infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. In laboratory tests, the Mpr1-coated particles successfully penetrated the blood-brain barrier better than regular nanoparticles and were more effective at killing the fungal cells.

Microbial-Based Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: A Comparative Review of Bacteria- and Fungi-Mediated Approaches

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Scientists are developing environmentally friendly ways to make silver nanoparticles using bacteria and fungi instead of harsh chemicals. These tiny particles show promise in fighting infections, treating cancer, cleaning water, and protecting crops. The review compares how bacteria and fungi each produce these particles and explains how different conditions affect their properties and effectiveness.

Eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using marine-derived Fusarium equiseti: optimization, characterization, and evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities

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Scientists used a marine fungus called Fusarium equiseti to create tiny silver particles called nanoparticles in an environmentally-friendly way. These particles showed strong abilities to kill harmful bacteria and fungi, protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, and fight breast cancer cells in laboratory tests. This green synthesis method offers a safer, non-toxic alternative to traditional chemical manufacturing while producing stable, multi-functional nanoparticles.

Research Topic: nanotechnology