# Impact of Metal-Functionalized Fullerenes on the Proliferation of Pathogenic Fungi

## TL;DR

This study explores how metal-functionalized fullerenes, especially silver-based ones, can effectively combat drug-resistant fungi like Candida auris and Candida albicans.

## Contribution

The study introduces metal-functionalized fullerenes as a novel antifungal strategy with dual mechanisms of action.

## Key findings

- Ag–C60–Cl showed significantly lower minimum inhibitory concentrations against Candida albicans and Candida auris compared to other compounds.
- Ag–C60–Cl delayed fungal growth and generated reactive oxygen species, indicating a dual mode of action.
- Physical interactions between nanoparticles and yeast cells were observed, contributing to antifungal effects.

## Abstract

Given the trajectory and prevalence of multidrug-resistant
(MDR)
organisms like Candida auris, the dearth
of available antifungal drugs and the global need for effective therapeutics,
the exploration of safe antifungals with broad-spectrum potential
and novel antimicrobial mechanisms is imperative for future treatment
strategies. Herein, the broad-spectrum potential of previously synthesized
silver and copper coordinated chlorine functionalized fullerene nanoparticles
(Ag–C60–Cl and Cu–C60–Cl)
against two clinically significant fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and C. auris is investigated. The experimental results show enhanced antifungal
activity of Ag–C60–Cl compared to Cu–C60–Cl, C60–Cl, and fluconazole. The
minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of Ag–C60–Cl and Cu–C60–Cl are 15.62 and 250
μg/mL, respectively, against C. albicans. Notably, the MIC of the Ag–C60–Cl against C. auris is 3.9 μg/mL, whereas the MIC of Cu–C60–Cl is 250 μg/mL. Analysis of fungal growth
kinetics shows that Ag–C60–Cl significantly
delayed the growth of C. albicans and
suppressed the growth of C. auris.
Mechanistic studies highlight that Ag–C60–Cl
produced higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggered catalase
enzymes by acting as oxidants. Additionally, the NPs exhibited physical
interactions with yeast cells, indicating a dual mode of action. These
findings establish the potential of Ag–C60–Cl
as a new and potentially transformative antifungal strategy against
two clinically significant pathogens.