Nanodrugs for Subcutaneous Mycoses: Applications, Antifungal Performance, and Translational Perspectives

TL;DR

This paper reviews how nanodrugs can improve treatment for subcutaneous fungal infections by overcoming the limitations of traditional antifungal drugs.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of nanodrug applications for subcutaneous mycoses, highlighting their potential and remaining challenges.

Findings

Nanodrugs improve solubility, stability, and targeted delivery of antifungal agents.

Studies show nanosystems can enhance therapeutic outcomes compared to conventional treatments.

Translational challenges like toxicity and regulatory approval remain significant barriers.

Abstract

Subcutaneous mycoses are a heterogeneous group of chronic fungal infections, usually acquired through traumatic inoculation of environmental fungi and particularly severe in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. These infections involve pathogens with marked morphological and physiopathological diversity, resulting in significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Conventional treatment relies on systemic antifungals such as amphotericin B, itraconazole, and other azoles; however, these therapies are often limited by poor tissue penetration, adverse effects, and prolonged treatment regimens, especially in vulnerable patient populations. In this context, nanodrugs have emerged as promising alternatives by improving solubility, stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery to infection sites. This review conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus, identifying 31 eligible studies that developed and evaluated antifungal nanosystems using in vitro, ex vivo, and/or in vivo models. Quantitative outcomes included minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), colony-forming units (CFU), inhibition halo diameter, and survival assays. Overall, the evidence indicates that several nanosystems may overcome key pharmacological limitations of conventional antifungals and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Nevertheless, important translational challenges remain, including toxicity, long-term safety, scalability, and regulatory approval, which must be addressed before clinical implementation.

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