Catálogo de Investigaciones | 2014-2015

CATÁLOGO DE INVESTIGACIONES | AÑO ACADÉMICO 2014-2015 47 CdS/Se nanoparticles with fungistatic activity on Dermatophytes Dermatophytosis is a disease caused by a group of keratinophilic fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi affect the keratinized tissue, such as the epidermis, hair and nails. The disease is more prevalent in patients with immune deficiency. If it is not treated, it can cause more serious diseases like cellulitis, osteomyelitis and pyoderma. Current antifungal treatments expose the patients to unnecessary risks and to harmful side effects. Nanotechnology has come forth as a novel alternative because nanoparticles can be functionalized to have target specificity and be biocompatible. QDs absorb light at 470 nm and fluoresce at 560 nm releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are involved in cellular apoptosis. In this study, the antifungal activity of Cd-based quantum dots (QDs) against isolated dermatophytes was tested by traditional microbiological plating and inhibition assays of the molds measured by colony growth diameter as compared to the control. Results have shown some morphological colony changes and possible fungistatic activity. jaime cardona, yorki e. serrano y luis álamo maestría en ciencias con especialidad en biotecnología mentor: dra. hna. nancy arroyo gonzález nanoparticles dermatophytosis fungistatic activity