Silica nanostructures against fungal growth: design and preparation of antifungal cotton fabrics

The preparation of antifungal-functionalized silica nanoparticles by covalent attachment of several silylated derivatives based on the topical antifungal agent Micozanole is described. Grafting and co-condensation procedures are used to obtain mesoporous or dense nanoparticles. Cotton fabrics have been coated with these antifungal-functionalized silica nanoparticles under ultrasonic conditions. The characterization of the functionalized nanoparticles and coated cotton fabrics is performed by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The antifungal activity of all the modified cotton textiles is tested against Trichophyton mentagrophytes CECT 2783 , Aspergillus brasiliensis CECT 2091 , Penicillium chrysogenum CECT 2307 and Candida albicans CECT 1001 , resulting to be highly dependent on the microorganism. Remarkably, all of the modified fabrics are active against Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes , with up to 75 and 90% effectiveness, respectively. High expectations arise for topical cutaneous applications in wound dressings (bandages, gauzes, strips). Graphical abstract