Exploring quinazoline-derived copper(I) complex coated intravaginal ring against vulvovaginal candidiasis causing <i>Candida</i> species

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is especially prevalent among intrauterine device (IUD) and intravaginal ring (IVR) users. <i>Candida albicans</i> is the leading causative agent of VVC followed by <i>Candida glabrata</i>. Ascribed to the increased drug resistance by <i>Candida</i> spp. to the currently available drugs, this study has focused on the novel quinazoline-derived copper(I) complexes as anti-candida agents. As a novel approach, a vaginal ring was coated with the best quinazoline-derived copper(I) complex, and biofilm disruption ability was evaluated. The coated vaginal ring eradicated 70% of preformed biofilms and also inhibited the hyphal transition of <i>Candida albicans</i> in a simulated vaginal fluid (SVF). The overall study validates the anti-biofilm and anti-virulent properties of the metal complex-coated vaginal ring using various microscopic studies.