Enhanced Antifungal Efficacy of KZ-β/γ-CD Capped Silver Nanoparticles against Trichophyton rubrum

Background: The present medications are inefficient in treating fungal infections, so there is a need to develop an efficient antifungal treatment with minimal side effects and rapid healing. Ketoconazole (KZ) is frequently prescribed for managing fungi-related skin infections However, it is a poorly soluble with low absorption, making it less effective. Objectives: The study aims to enhance the absorption and effectiveness of the antifungal medication KZ by complexing it with β and γ Cyclodextrins (CD) coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNps). Materials and Methods: KZ inclusion complexes with AgNps capped β- and γ-CD (β/γ-CD-KZ-AgNp) were prepared and analysed by UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM and XRD. The antifungal efficacy of these complexes against Trichophyton rubrum was assessed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Disc-Diffusion assay. Results: The drug KZ was successfully loaded into the AgNp-capped β-CD and γ-CD inclusion complexes, as indicated by a UV peak at 293 nm. The FTIR spectra of the complexes (β/γ-CD-KZ-AgNp) showed peaks for aldehyde, CH stretching and-OH stretching for AgNp, CDs and KZ. The crystalline nature and AgNp coating were confirmed by the X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that the complexes were less agglomerated, spherical and embedded with AgNps. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the complexes against Trichophyton rubrum was much higher than that of the drug alone, with 0.5 μg/mL MIC for β-CD-KZ-AgNp and 1 μg/mL for γ-CD-KZ-AgNp in comparison to the control drug KZ (2 μg/mL). The complexes also demonstrated excellent antifungal activity against T. rubrum, with inhibition zone of 29.7 mm for β-CD-KZ-AgNp and 29.1 mm for γ-CD-KZ-AgNp compared to 14.74 mm for the drug alone. Conclusion: The inclusion complexes show great potential as a treatment against fungal infections.