Nanomaterials and Candida auris: A Systematic Review of Emerging Strategies

Abstract

The alarming rise of multidrug-resistant Candida auris infections and the consequent scarcity of effective therapeutic options have spurred research into alternative strategies for their prevention and management. Nanomaterials have emerged as a promising avenue for the development of innovative antifungal approaches. A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to January 3, 2024, was conducted to identify studies reporting on the antifungal efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) against C. auris. This search included studies on metallic NPs, lipidic carriers, the use of chitosan as a matrix, and other nanoparticle synthesis methodologies, including green chemistry approaches. Of the 266 articles initially retrieved, 30 met the eligibility criteria. Metallic NPs, particularly silver nanoparticles, were the most extensively studied, whereas lipidic carriers were the least explored. All nanomaterials demonstrated antifungal activity, showing inhibition of fungal growth, biofilm disruption, reduced fungal burden, and significantly improved survival rates in animal models of C. auris candidemia. Ongoing research into innovative treatment and prevention strategies remains urgently needed to combat this growing public health threat.