Enhanced Nanoparticles Effective Against Drug-Resistant Yeast Infections

Chitin is a polymer found in the exoskeletons of insects and fungi cell walls^[2]. It can be broken down by chitinases, enzymes that degrade chitin into smaller molecules. The study produced chitinase from Talaromyces varians SSW3, achieving an initial yield of 8.97 U/g dry substrate (ds). This yield was significantly increased to 120.41 U/g ds through statistical optimization using Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken design.

The UiO-66 framework, a type of metal-organic framework (MOF), was synthesized and characterized using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size analysis, and zeta potential measurement. The resulting UiO-66 particles were uniformly cubic with a smooth surface and an average size of 70.42 ± 8.43 nm.

The chitinase was then immobilized on the UiO-66 framework, achieving an immobilization yield of 65% after a 6-hour loading period. This immobilization significantly enhanced the enzyme’s activity and stability, as evidenced by improved kinetic parameters. The hydrolytic activity of chitinase increased post-immobilization, with the maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) doubling and the Michaelis constant (Km) decreasing 38-fold.

The antifungal activity of the immobilized chitinase was notably higher against C. auris compared to the free enzyme. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) of the immobilized chitinase was 0.89 ± 0.056 U/mL, significantly lower than the 5.582 ± 0.57 U/mL for the free enzyme. This indicates a more potent antifungal effect, making it a promising alternative for combating C. auris.

This study builds on previous research highlighting the importance of chitin and chitin-degrading enzymes in biocontrol strategies^[2]. Chitinases have been recognized for their potential to control fungal pathogens by breaking down their cell walls, thereby reducing their viability^[2]. Additionally, the use of chitinolytic microorganisms as biocontrol agents has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides and insecticides^[2].

Furthermore, the findings align with research on the role of chitin and chitosan in fungal parasitism and biocontrol. Fungi, including pathogens, remodel their cell walls to evade host immune responses, and enzymes involved in chitin synthesis and modification are crucial for their survival and pathogenicity^[3]. The immobilization of chitinase on UiO-66 enhances its stability and activity, providing a more effective means to target and degrade the chitin in the cell walls of C. auris.

In conclusion, the study by the National Research Centre demonstrates a novel and promising approach to combating the emerging pathogen C. auris by using chitinase immobilized on a UiO-66 framework. This approach not only enhances the enzyme’s activity and stability but also significantly improves its antifungal efficacy, offering a potential alternative to conventional antifungal treatments.