Antifungal Photodynamic Inactivation against Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum Using Nanoparticle-Based Hybrid Photosensitizers

Fungi are a large group of eukaryotic organisms distantly related to mammals, yet with similarities in the plasma membrane to that of mammalian cells [1,2]. Most fungi have a rigid cell membrane including polysaccharides, such as chitin and ergosterol, whereas in mammalian cell membranes ergosterol is replaced by cholesterol [3,4]. The similarities exist between fungal and mammalian cell membranes render it challenging to develop antifungal drugs with low toxicity to humans [5,6].
Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy - Category: Laser Surgery Authors: Source Type: research