The potential of nanocomposites (patuletin-conjugated with gallic acid-coated zinc oxide) against free-living amoebae pathogens
- PMID: 39276173
- DOI: 10.1007/s10123-024-00584-w
The potential of nanocomposites (patuletin-conjugated with gallic acid-coated zinc oxide) against free-living amoebae pathogens
Abstract
Free-living amoebae infections are on the rise while the prognosis remains poor. Current therapies are ineffective, and there is a need for novel effective drugs which can target Naegleria, Balamuthia, and Acanthamoeba species. In this study, we determined the effects of a nano-formulation based on flavonoid patuletin-loaded gallic acid functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles (PA-GA-ZnO) against Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, and Naegleria trophozoites. Characterization of the nano-formulation was accomplished utilizing analytical tools, namely Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, drug entrapment efficiency, polydispersity index, dimensions, and surface morphologies. Anti-amoebic effects were investigated using amoebicidal assay, cytopathogenicity assay, and cytotoxicity of the nano-formulation on human cells. The findings revealed that nano-formulation (PA-GA-ZnO) displayed significant anti-amoebic properties and augmented effects of patuletin alone against all three brain-eating amoebae. When tested alone, patuletin nano-formulations showed minimal toxicity effects against human cells. In summary, the nano-formulations evaluated herein depicts efficacy versus Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, and Naegleria. Nonetheless, future studies are needed to comprehend the molecular mechanisms of patuletin nano-formulations versus free-living amoebae pathogens, in addition to animal studies to determine their potential value for clinical applications.
Keywords: Acanthamoeba; Balamuthia; Anti-amoebic; Central nervous system infections; Nanocomposite; Nanotechnology; Patuletin-zinc oxide.
© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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