Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Candida parapsilosis is the second most common species causing infectious diseases and can lead to biofilm resistance. This study aims to adjust and synthesize a liposomal compound of Nigella sativa and evaluate its antifungal properties against C. parapsilosis isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The liposomal formulation of N. sativa was optimized through the utilization of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, and UV-visible spectrophotometry. Furthermore, an MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was conducted on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The antifungal efficacy was evaluated in accordance with the M27-A3 guideline. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of N. sativa oil and the liposomal formulation on C. parapsilosis isolates ranged from 128 to 8 µg/mL and from 250 to 31.25 µg/mL, respectively. The MIC(50) and MIC(90) values of N. sativa oil and the liposomal formulation were 125, 187, and 32, 96 µg/mL, respectively. The viability percentage of cells treated with the liposomal formulation and free N. sativa oil was 91% and 85%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The cytotoxicity of free N. sativa was significantly reduced when using nanoliposomes. The liposomal form of N. sativa showed greater antifungal properties compared to the free N. sativa extract against C. parapsilosis isolates.