In Vitro Antifungal and Antivirulence Activities of Biologically Synthesized Ethanolic Extract of Propolis-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles against Candida albicans.

Propolis is a natural substance and consists of bioactive compounds, which gives it antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, the use of propolis is limited by the low solubility in aqueous solutions. Thus, nanoparticles may be likely to accomplish enhanced delivery of poorly water-soluble phytomedicine. The aim of the present study was to fabricate and evaluate the biological activity of ethanolic extract of propolis-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (EEP-NPs). The EEP-NPs were prepared using the oil-in-water (o/w) single-emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The physicochemical properties of EEP-NPs were characterized and tested on their cytotoxicity, antifungal activity, and impact on key virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis of C. albicans. EEP-NPs were successfully synthesized and demonstrated higher antifungal activity than EEP in free form. Moreover, EEP-NPs exhibited less cytotoxicity on Vero cells and suppressed the virulence factors of C. albicans, including adhesion, hyphal germination, biofilm formation, and invasion. Importantly, EEP-NPs exhibited a statistical decrease in the expression of hyphal adhesion-related genes, ALS3 and HWP1, of C. albicans. The results of this study revealed that EEP-NPs mediates a potent anticandidal activity and key virulence factors by reducing the gene-encoding virulence-associated hyphal- adhesion proteins of C. albicans and, thereby, disrupting the morphologic presence and attenuating their virulence.

Development of TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection and identification of Penicillium marneffei.

Penicillium marneffei is a dimorphic fungus, which is endemic in Southeast Asia and responsible for emerging opportunistic infections. Diagnosis of penicilliosis may be difficult when few yeast cells are present, while a gold standard diagnosis technique requires long-term culture. In order to provide a more rapid and accurate diagnosis, we developed a TaqMan real-time PCR to detect and identify P. marneffei DNA coding for 5.8S rRNA in purified yeast DNA and clinical samples. All P. marneffei DNA preparations could be detected using specific primers and TaqMan probe. The assay has a sensitivity to detect at least 10 yeast cells in seeded blood. Moreover, it can detect P. marneffei DNA in peripheral blood samples and blood-culture bottles. Therefore, the real-time PCR assay may represent a potential tool for early diagnosis of penicilliosis marneffei.