A Metalless and Fungicide-Free Material Against Candida : Glass-Loaded Hydrogels

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> We report the antifungal potential of transition metal-free borophosphate glass-loaded hydrogels (BGHs) with different phosphorus/boron molar ratios (P/B = 2, 1, and 0.5) against <i>Candida</i> species. Candida yeasts pose a significant health risk as they can cause infections, systemic diseases, and even potentially fatal complications in immunocompromised individuals. <b>Methods:</b> The antifungal activity of BGH was evaluated against <i>Candida albicans</i>, <i>Candida tropicalis</i>, <i>Candida krusei</i>, and <i>Candida glabrata</i> using kinetic growth analysis, the agar well diffusion method, the minimum inhibitory concentration, the minimum fungicidal concentration, and scanning electron microscopy. <b>Results:</b> All BGH formulations effectively inhibited yeast growth at various concentrations, with results comparable to commercial miconazole gel (CMG). Hydrogels with P/B ratios of 0.5 and 1 produced larger inhibition zones than CMG, except against <i>C. glabrata</i>. However, BGHs with a P/B ratio of 0.5 at 3% and 5% (<i>w</i>/<i>w</i>) demonstrated relevant antifungal activity, especially against <i>C. albicans</i> and <i>C. tropicalis</i>. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings highlight the promising antifungal potential of borophosphate glass-based hydrogels, particularly those with high boron content. Their efficacy against multiple <i>Candida</i> species suggests they could serve as an alternative to conventional antifungal agents.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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