Copolymeric Micelles as Efficient Inert Nanocarrier for Hypericin in the Photodynamic Inactivation of <i>Candida</i> Species

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic inactivation (PDI) mediated by hypericin encapsulated in P-123 copolymeric micelles (P123-Hyp) alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLU) against planktonic cells and biofilm formation of <i>Candida</i> species <b>Materials & methods:</b> PDI was performed using P123-Hyp and an LED device with irradiance of 3.0 mW/cm² . <b>Results:</b> Most of isolates (70%) were completely inhibited with concentrations up to 2.0 μmol/l of HYP and light fluence of 16.2 J/cm². FLU-resistant strains had synergic effect with P123-HYP-PDI and FLU. The biofilm formation was inhibited in all species, in additional the changes in <i>Candida</i> morphology observed by scanning electron microscopy. <b>Conclusion:</b> P123-Hyp-PDI is a promising option to treat fungal infections and medical devices to prevent biofilm formation and fungal spread.