Mariana Contente Rangel Henriques
Photo: Uminho Biofilm Group
March 7, 2012 - With the emergence of Candida infections that are resistant to traditional antifungal therapies, there is an increasing need for alternative approaches. Professor Mariana Henriques, University of Minho, and her colleagues plan to test silver nanoparticles in mouthwash and dentures as a potential preventative measure against yeast infections caused by Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.
Professor Henriques and her team, who published their research in Letters in Applied Microbiology today, looked at the use of different sizes of silver nanoparticles to determine their anti-fungal properties against these two yeasts, which cause oral thrush and dental stomatitis, a painful infection affecting around seven out of ten denture wearers. These infections are difficult to treat because the microorganisms involved form biofilms.
Since these promising studies are in the early stages, safety trials need to be carried out before these products can be brought to market.