Plausible Mechanistic Insights in Biofilm Eradication Potential against spp. Using -Synthesized Tyrosol-Functionalized Chitosan Gold Nanoparticles as a Versatile Antifouling Coating on Implant Surfaces.

In the present study, tyrosol-functionalized chitosan gold nanoparticles (Chi-TY-AuNPs) were prepared as an alternative treatment strategy to combat fungal infections. Various biophysical techniques were used to characterize the synthesized Chi-TY-AuNPs. The antifungal and antibiofilm activities of Chi-TY-AuNPs were evaluated against and , and efforts have been made to elucidate the possible mechanism of action. Chi-TY-AuNPs showed a high fungicidal effect against both sessile and planktonic cells of spp. Additionally, Chi-TY-AuNPs completely eradicated (100%) the mature biofilms of both the spp. FESEM analysis highlighted the morphological alterations in Chi-TY-AuNP-treated biofilm cells. The effect of Chi-TY-AuNPs on the ECM components showed significant reduction in protein content in the biofilm and substantial decrease in extracellular DNA content of both the spp. ROS generation analysis using DCFDA-PI staining showed high ROS levels in both the spp., whereas pronounced ROS production was observed in the Chi-TY-AuNP-treated biofilm. Biochemical analysis revealed decreased ergosterol content in Chi-TY-AuNP-treated cells, while inconsequential changes were observed in . Furthermore, the transcriptional expression of selected genes (ergosterol biosynthesis, efflux, sterol importer, and glucan biogenesis) was reduced in in response to Chi-TY-AuNPs except and . Conclusively, the result showed the biofilm inhibition and biofilm eradication efficacy of Chi-TY-AuNPs in both the spp. Findings of the present study manifest Chi-TY-AuNPs as a potential therapeutic solution to biofilm-related chronic infections and overcome biofilm antifungal resistance.