# Nanomaterials in the Management of Fungal Udder Inflammation in Cattle as an Effective Preventive Strategy Based on In Vitro Studies

## TL;DR

This study explores how nanomaterials can effectively combat fungal udder inflammation in cattle, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.

## Contribution

The study introduces the use of specific nanoparticle combinations as a novel approach to treating drug-resistant fungal mastitis in cattle.

## Key findings

- Silver-copper nanoparticle complexes showed up to 90% reduction in fungal survival.
- Some drug-resistant fungal strains remained sensitive to tested nanoparticles.
- Nanoparticles could reduce reliance on traditional antifungal drugs in livestock.

## Abstract

The incidence of fungal udder inflammation is increasing, negatively affecting the welfare of dairy cattle and reducing milk production. This disease is often associated with the intensive use of antibiotics, whereas effective methods of controlling fungal infections remain limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles against fungi responsible for udder inflammation. The activity of several types of metal nanoparticles and their complexes against isolated fungal strains was evaluated. The results showed that most of the tested nanoparticles effectively inhibited fungal growth even at low concentrations. Importantly, some strains resistant to standard antifungal drugs remained sensitive to nanoparticles. The most effective combinations reduced fungal survival by up to 90%. The results indicate that nanomaterials may be a valuable tool in the future for preventing and supporting the treatment of fungal mastitis, reducing losses in livestock farming and the excessive use of traditional drugs.

Fungal mastitis is rare but poses a significant problem for dairy farmers. It is often underestimated and under-researched, with most studies and treatments focusing on bacterial infections. Antibiotics are ineffective against fungi, and they exacerbate fungal mastitis. This study aimed to determine the antifungal properties of silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), iron with a hydrophilic carbon coating (FeC), and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles (NPs) at five different concentrations, as well as their complexes, on the survival of fungal strains such as Pichia kudriavzevii, Wickerhamiella pararugosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Coniochaeta hoffmannii, and Kluyveromyces marxianus. The strains’ susceptibility to 8 standard antifungals, along with MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) and MFC (minimal fungicidal concentration) after NP treatment, was assessed. Clotrimazole and ketoconazole (10 µg) were most effective, while fluconazole (10 µg) and flucytosine (1 µg) showed the weakest activity. The AgCuNP complex demonstrated the strongest biocidal activity against all isolated strains, while FeCNPs and PtNPs showed very weak or no biocidal properties. The study’s results provide a basis for further in vivo research, indicating the great potential of nanoparticles in combating fungal mastitis, providing an innovative solution against infections caused by drug-resistant pathogens.