Structured Nanozyme Robotic Systems Offers New Approach in Targeted Elimination of Fungal Infection

Fungal infections pose significant health risks on a global scale due to the resistance of fungi to conventional treatment methods. Because of this, the World Health Organization has highlighted this health condition as a priority issue.

Aside from the traditional treatment approach, nanomaterials show potential as antifungal agents. However, they are unable to carry out quick and targeted treatment, leading to prolonged therapy and possible drug resistance. Until now, improving antifungal efficacy remains a challenge since experts try to avoid off-target effects, fungal spreading, and drug resistance.

New Approach for Treating Fungal Infections

To address this challenge, a team of scientists developed a microrobotic system capable of targeting and eliminating fungal pathogens. The research was led by Hyun Koo of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and Edward Steager of Penn's School of Engineering and Applied Science. This team is part of an initiative at Penn Dental's Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry, where engineering and computational approaches are used to uncover new knowledge for disease prevention.

Using nanozymes, a miniature robotic system was created to target and destroy fungal cells. This was achieved by using electromagnetic fields to control the shape and motion of the nanozyme microrobots. The magnetic component of the system allows the scientists to direct the microrobots to the exact spot of infection. The iron oxide nanoparticles give the system its catalytic nature.

The study reveals the catalytic activity of the nanozymes, which vary depending on the movement, speed, and shape that provides controllable generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Aside from enhanced catalytic activity, the assemblies demonstrate their solid binding affinity to fungal cells. This ability allows localized collection of nanozymes to the area where the fungi thrive without affecting the uninfected regions of the body.

"The magnetic and catalytic properties combined with unexpected binding specificity to fungi open exciting opportunities for an automated 'target-bind-and-kill' antifungal mechanism," Koo says. He added that their team is excited to explore the mechanism deeper and unlock its full potential in medical applications. The researchers are also hopeful that their developed robotic approach will provide new opportunities in fighting fungal infections and marks a vital point in antifungal treatment.

Challenges in Treating Fungal Infections

Fungi are naturally engaged in a constant battle against the organisms they encounter in their niches. Although some of the compounds created by fungi are useful in the medical industry, some can also cause life-threatening diseases that are hard to treat.

The human body has two natural protections against fungal infection: our internal body temperature, which is too hot for fungal pathogens, and our immune system. Although new therapeutic agents emerge as antibiotics, implantable devices, and immunomodulatory drugs, they are also linked to fungal infection risk.

Developing antifungal drugs is constantly challenging because fungi resist current antifungal agents. Unlike bacteria, fungi are more challenging to treat because animal and fungal cells share many basic structures and machinery. This means that destroying the fungal pathogen could also damage the host. The off-target effects of antifungal drugs may cause serious side effects to the patients.