Drug delivery methods can improve the treatment of fungal infections

A unique method of drug delivery may prove useful for a longer period of time for patients exposed to asthma, cystic fibrosis or previous lung disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cancer or corticosteroid drugs. Nanoparticles are promising for the controlled and effective release of drugs. The use of polymeric nanoparticles is the most advanced method of drug delivery. The azole drug currently in use attacks the fungal membrane and inactivates the fungus. However, resistance to current antifungal drugs is a concern and therefore improved methods of drug delivery are needed, so that drugs can be effective in treating infections. A team of scientists from the Agarkar Research Institute, an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has developed niccomycin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles using the chitin synthesis fungicide, nicomycin, manufactured by Nicomycin. Chitin is the main ingredient. read more