ABSTRACT
Aim: To assemble, characterize and assess the antifungal effects of a new fluconazole (FLZ)-carrier nanosystem. Materials & methods: The nanosystem was prepared by loading FLZ on chitosan (CS)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Antifungal effects were evaluated on planktonic cells (by minimum inhibitory concentration determination) and on biofilms (by quantification of cultivable cells, total biomass, metabolism and extracellular matrix) of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Results: Characterization results ratified the formation of a nanosystem (<320 nm) with FLZ successfully embedded. IONPs-CS-FLZ nanosystem reduced minimum inhibitory concentration values and, in general, showed similar antibiofilm effects compared with FLZ alone. Conclusion: IONPs-CS-FLZ nanosystem was more effective than FLZ mainly in inhibiting Candida planktonic cells. This nanocarrier has potential to fight fungal infections.
Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Fluconazole/chemistry , Fluconazole/pharmacology , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Biofilms/drug effects , Candida albicans/drug effects , Candida albicans/growth & development , Candida albicans/physiology , Candida glabrata/drug effects , Candida glabrata/physiology , Chitosan/chemistry , Drug Compounding , Microbial Sensitivity TestsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of time-course changes and various types of removable dentures on the oral levels of Candida species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective clinical trial, 72 subjects were divided into three groups according to the type of denture replaced: Kennedy Class I or II removable partial dentures (RPDs), Kennedy Class III or IV RPDs, and complete dentures. Whole saliva and biofilm samples from the palate, tongue, dentures, and inner surface of the cheek were obtained and evaluated for Candida diversity before the delivery of the new prostheses (baseline) and at 1, 6, and 12 months postdelivery. The results were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance, followed by a post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: Candida levels decreased after the insertion of the new dentures; however, after 6 months, Candida levels were similar to baseline, and complete denture wearers presented higher Candida counts than RPD wearers. CONCLUSION: The type of denture does not seem to be a decisive factor in Candida levels. After 6 months, Candida colonization was well established in all types of removable prostheses. Denture replacement alone did not guarantee a decrease in Candida levels for more than 6 months.
