Applications of Nanotechnology in Combating Fungal Diseases in Humans: An Updated Review

In recent years, fungal infections caused by filamentous fungi have posed a serious threat to public health worldwide. Fungi such as Aspergillus, Coccidioides, and Mucorales (the most common filamentous fungi), as well as Candida auris (a non-filamentous fungus), can cause infections in humans. It can cause serious life-threatening diseases in individuals with weakened immune systems, patients infected with HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, blood disorders, organ transplants, and chemotherapy. In this review, we describe the available nan formulations (metallic and polymeric nanoparticles) that have been developed to enhance efficacy and reduce the number of adverse effects following the administration of conventional antifungals. The burden posed by fungal infections on human health is increasing worldwide. Fungi such as Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus are among the most common pathogens responsible for human diseases, accounting for over 90% of infection-related deaths. Moreover, effective antifungal treatments are not available, primarily due to host toxicity, pathogen resistance, and immunodeficiency. In recent years, nanomaterials have proven to be not only more efficient antifungal therapeutic agents but also capable of overcoming fungal drug resistance".