Molecular characterization of multi-drug resistant Candida albicans with evaluation of myco-synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) as an alternative therapeutic agent

Background: Candida species infections are a leading source of sickness and death. They can present with a broad range of clinical symptoms, from mucosal and superficial illnesses to systemic and broadly disseminated infections. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) biosynthesized using Aspergillus flavus for their antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Using fungi for the synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles is advantageous due to their ability to secrete biomolecules, including enzymes and reducing agents, which facilitate the formation of stable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic nanoparticles. Methods: Stool samples were collected from participants from El-Hussien Hospital and examined for the existence of resistant fungal strains using commonly used antifungals. Soil sample was used to cultivate fungal species, extracted using methanol, and screened for MgO-NPs. The fungal extract was tested via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for detection of various molecules. The most resistant strain was identified using genetics tools. Both fungal extract and MgO-NPs extract were examined for its antimicrobial impact towards multidrug resistant yeast isolate. Both types of electron microscopes were used to examine the resistant yeast strain and after applications of various treatments. Antioxidant action, Anti-inflammatory actions and cytotoxicity of fungal extract as well as MgO-NPs were examined by in vitro protocols. Results: Multidrug-resistant Candida albicans (PQ865724) was isolated from stool samples, while Aspergillus flavus (PQ857913) was obtained from soil and utilized for the biosynthesis of MgO-NPs. The synthesized MgO-NPs were characterized using standard analytical techniques. Bioactivity assessments revealed significant antifungal activity against C. albicans, with an inhibition zone diameter of 4.4 ± 0.1 cm. Additionally, the nanoparticles demonstrated strong antioxidant potential (IC₅₀ = 8.71 ± 0.3 µg/ml) and anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀ = 12.71 ± 0.4 µg/ml). Cytotoxicity assays indicated minimal toxicity against Vero cells, with a CC₅₀ value of 65.2 ± 1.7 µg/ml. Conclusion: MgO-NPs had a promising impact versus multidrug resistant C. albicans isolated from stool specimens and it could be used as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance with notable security versus normal cells.