Innovative Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Method Shows Promise for Treating Fungal Infections and Respiratory Diseases

The ARI team, led by Dr. Vandana Ghormade and PhD student Kamal Mayattu, focused on combating fungal infections that are becoming increasingly resistant to current antifungal drugs.

Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have developed a groundbreaking nanoparticle-based drug delivery system that could significantly improve treatment options for patients with respiratory diseases, fungal infections, and other conditions requiring long-term medication. This novel approach, which utilizes polymeric nanoparticles, offers controlled and effective drug release, potentially enhancing the efficacy of existing treatments.

The ARI team, led by Dr. Vandana Ghormade and PhD student Kamal Mayattu, focused on combating fungal infections that are becoming increasingly resistant to current antifungal drugs. They used Nikkomycin, a chitin synthesis inhibitor produced by the bacterial Streptomyces spp., to create polymeric nanoparticles that target the chitin-rich cell walls of fungi. Chitin, a key component of fungal cell walls, is absent in the human body, making it an ideal target for antifungal therapies.

The research demonstrated that these Nikkomycin-loaded nanoparticles effectively disrupted the growth of Aspergillus spp., particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus, which cause the fungal infection known as Aspergillosis. Importantly, the nanoformulation was found to be free of cytotoxic and hemolytic effects, making it a promising candidate for further development.

The ARI team is optimistic about the potential of this nanoparticle delivery system, especially for inhalation treatments targeting pulmonary aspergillosis, a serious lung infection. Their research, published in the journal Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C, highlights the broader implications of this method, which could be expanded to other antifungal formulations. The team is also exploring opportunities for public-private partnerships to commercialize this innovative technology in the future.