Chitosan Nanoparticles to Enhance the Inhibitory Effect of Natamycin on Candida albicans

Abstract

Fungal keratitis is a stubborn fungal infection that is widespread worldwide. It can even affect the health and life of a patient. At present, natamycin (NAT) is the first-line drug in the treatment of fungal keratitis, despite its disadvantages of clinical use, such as low drug bioavailability and poor water solubility. Herein, inspired by the adhesion properties of chitosan and its excellent drug loading and antifungal properties, we designed simple natamycin-chitosan nanoparticles (NAT-NPs) to investigate the feasibility of chitosan with NAT for eye treatment. Results showed that the NAT-NPs increased the antifungal effect of NAT due to the antifungal feature of chitosan NPs. Therefore, NAT-NPs are expected to become potential candidates for the treatment of fungal keratitis due to their high bacteriostasis.