A study of the treatment of cutaneous fungal infection in animal model using photoactivated composite of methylene blue and gold nanoparticle

- T. rubrum is susceptible to in-vitro methylene blue photodynamic therapy.
- Metylene blue and gold nanoparticles are efficient delivery systems.
- M.B and AuNPs are effective in treatment of cutaneous fungal infection in rabbits.

BackgroundOnychomycosis is a widespread public health problem, in which T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes is the commenest causative organisms. Current medical therapy has many drawbacks and side effects. Methylene blue (m.b) photodynamic therapy (pdt) proved efficacy but with lengthy sessions.ObjectivesOptimizing methylene blue photodynamic therapy by combination of methylene blue photosensitizer and gold nanoparticles (aunps) in a composite as gold nanoparticles are efficient delivery systems and efficient enhancers of photosensitizers for antifungal photodynamic therapy.Materials and methodsEighty newzealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used and categorized in eight equal groups as follows; healthy and infection control, composite photodynamic therapy and five comparative groups. Photodynamic therapy was initiated at day three to five post inoculation, for four sessions forty eight hours apart. Each group divided and light exposure at two fluencies; 80 J and 100 J. All groups were investigated macroscopically and microscopically (histopathology and scanning electron microscope) also flowcytometry assessment for cell death and X-ray analysis for gold nanoparticles accumulation in brain and liver tissues were determined.ResultsRecovery from infection approaching 96% in gold nanoparticles + light group, around 40% in methylene blue photodynamic therapy and 34% in composite photodynamic therapy. The observed findings confirmed by apparent decrease of apoptosis, however small amounts of gold nanoparticles detected in brain and liver.ConclusionLight stimulated gold nanoparticles is a promising tool in treatment of onychomycosis.