BiTCoN: A Bimodal Therapy Against Candida albicans

Biosynthesized thermoactive copper nanoparticles (BiTCoN) from Tinospora cordifolia plant extracts exhibited efficacy against biofilm formation, hyphae transition, and surface adhesion in Candida albicans. Adhesion is an initiator of virulence factors such as dimorphism, proliferation, stress tolerance, & antigenicity, which promote biofilm formation in the host. The thermal capacity of BiTCoN is was more compared to only aqueous plant extract. In our study, copper in nanoform enhances the colloidal solution’s thermal conductivity by holding the heat. Time-killing assay, cell wall protection assay, and hemolytic assay were useful for checking the cytotoxicity of BiTCoN on cells and understanding the mechanism of action on C. albicans. This therapy works in a combination where nano formulation killing the Candida cells by heat effect and plant extract prevents further recurrence. Also, BiTCoN induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Candida cells that promote free radical formation leading to oxidative damage and, consequently, death of Candida cells. The electron microscopic studies revealed that the fungal cell disintegration occurs when BiTCoN interacts with C. albicans cells. Therefore, various experiments proved that BiTCoN could inhibit C. albicans strains which are potent and safe antifungal agents.