ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Synergistic Antifungal Efficiency of Eco-Friendly
Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
in Combination with Fluconazole against
Drug-Resistant Candidal Strains
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1
Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University,
P.O. 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
2
Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha 13511, Egypt
3
Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Al Mansurah, Egypt
4
Department of Chemistry, IFTM University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh -244102, India
5
Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo,
71210 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Submission date: 2024-03-18
Final revision date: 2024-04-16
Acceptance date: 2024-04-30
Online publication date: 2024-08-05
Corresponding author
Mohamed Taha Yassin
Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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ABSTRACT
The resistance of fungal pathogens to traditional antifungal medications presents a significant
public health concern, particularly for immunocompromised patients, leading to elevated rates of
illness and death. This study aimed to explore the antifungal properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles
(ZnO NPs) produced using a natural approach involving the aqueous seed extract of Trigonella foenumgracium
(Fenugreek). Additionally, the study assessed the combined effectiveness of these biologically
synthesized ZnO NPs with fluconazole against fungal pathogens. The biologically synthesized ZnO NPs
were observed to have a hexagonal shape with an average diameter of 27 nm and a surface charge of
-18.3 mV. Notably, these nanoparticles exhibited the most potent antifungal activity against Candida
tropicalis, with a relative inhibition zone diameter of 18.67±0.56 mm. The minimum inhibitory
concentration against C. tropicalis was determined to be 100 μg/mL, while the minimum fungicidal
concentration was found to be 200 μg/mL. The greatest synergistic effect between the biologically
synthesized ZnO NPs and fluconazole was observed against Candida glabrata, followed by Candida
parapsilosis. In summary, the study underscores the potential of combining biologically synthesized
ZnO NPs with fluconazole to formulate an effective antifungal treatment against drug-resistant fungal
pathogens, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of conventional antifungal drugs.