Novel synergistic antifungal nanocomposites for biomedical applications: efficient, safe and sustainable by design

The increasing rate of Candida-infections and drug resistance is a critical global health challenge and new antifungals are urgently needed. To address this gap, we will (i) synthesise a library of 24 different nanocomposites (NCs) consisting of metal nanoparticles (either Ag, CuO, ZnO or Zn-doped CuO NPs) conjugated with chitosan. NCs will be characterised for physico-chemical properties and analysed for (ii) antifungal efficiency and mechanism of action towards Candida albicans and C. auris, including in biofilms; (iii) safety for humans (using mammalian cells in vitro) and (iv) ecotoxicity (using Daphnia magna and Vibrio fischeri). Based on the obtained data we will work out the strategy for synthesis of synergistically acting effective antifungal chitosan-metal-nanocomposites that are safe for humans and the environment. The NCs are mainly targeted for biomedical applications where eradication of Candida spp is crucial, but may also find use in the agriculture and food sector.