Nano-sensitizers for enhanced antifungal drug efficacy

Overview

The "Nano-sensitizers for enhanced antifungal drug efficacy" project leverages machine-learning and high-throughput screening to discover and optimize nanomaterials that modulate ergosterol biosynthesis in fungal cells. By identifying nanomaterials that downregulate ergosterol production, this innovation aims to enhance the efficacy of existing antifungal drugs and facilitate the development of new antifungal materials. The project promises to extend the utility of current antifungal treatments and contribute to the discovery of new therapeutic agents.

Technical specifications

This research utilizes a machine-learning based approach to screen a variety of nanomaterials for their ability to influence ergosterol production in fungal cells. The methodology involves:

• Monitoring cellular ergosterol levels using a sterol-specific fluorescent dye, filipin, in a plate reader-based assay.
• Evaluating intrinsic material properties such as size, shape, concentration, and composition, along with extrinsic factors like temperature and nutrient availability.
• Developing and validating models to predict and rank conditions affecting ergosterol production.
• Screening nanoparticle systems including silica, titanium oxide, iron oxide, and zinc oxide for their effects on ergosterol biosynthesis.

Technology readiness level

Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, this project has demonstrated proof of concept and is in the active development and validation phase. Future steps include further model validation and the screening of additional nanomaterials to confirm generalizability and effectiveness.