Curcumin@ graphene oxide/chitosan/arginine hydrogel: A novel approach to treat Candida periprosthetic joint infections

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Salama A.M.; Shemis M.A.; Sharma B.P.; Gamal D.; Salem D.; Khaled M.; Gouda A.E.; Chen J.; Zhang Q.; Lu J.

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Publisher: Elsevier B.V.

Publication Date: May 2025

Volume / Issue: Volume 307

Article No.: 141966

ISSN: 1418130

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141966

Scopus: View on Scopus

PubMed: 40081695

Document Type: Article

Authors and Affiliations

Salama A.M., State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beisanhuan East Road 15, Beijing, 100029, China, Medical Laboratory at Sharkia Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Egypt; Shemis M.A., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research institute (TBRI), Egypt; Sharma B.P., Beijing Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Process and Technology of Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China; Gamal D., Microbiology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research institute (TBRI), Egypt; Salem D., Microbiology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research institute (TBRI), Egypt; Khaled M., Microbiology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research institute (TBRI), Egypt; Gouda A.E., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research institute (TBRI), Egypt; Chen J., School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China; Zhang Q., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China; Lu J., State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beisanhuan East Road 15, Beijing, 100029, China

Abstract

Candida albicans, responsible for nearly 70% of fungal infections, is a leading cause of life-threatening invasive infections, particularly in healthcare settings, with a mortality rate approaching 40% even after medical treatment. This study introduces a novel antifungal agent such as Curcumin@Graphene Oxide/Chitosan/Arginine nanocomposite hydrogel (Cur@GO/CS/Arg), targeting Candida albicans, a primary cause of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). The hydrogel exhibited remarkable antifungal efficacy, characterized by a 17 mm inhibition zone, a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.25 mg/ml, and a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 2.5 mg/ml, confirming its fungicidal properties based on the tolerance ratio. Additionally, it significantly reduced biofilm formation, highlighting its potent antifungal action. Furthermore, it demonstrated excellent biosafety, as evidenced by a minimal hemolytic effect at 50 μg/ml. These findings underscore the synergistic interactions among curcumin, graphene oxide, chitosan, and arginine, which enhance antifungal activity. This study offers a promising strategy for managing Candida albicans-associated PJIs, enabling safer and more effective treatment. © 2025

Keywords

Antibiofilm; Antifungal; Antioxidant; candida albicans; Hemocompatibility; Antifungal Agents; Arginine; Biofilms; Candidiasis; Chitosan; Curcumin; Graphite; Humans; Hydrogels; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Candida; Yeast; Curcumin graphene oxide; graphene; graphene oxide; hydrogel; nanocomposite; unclassified drug; antifungal agent; Antibiofilms; Antifungals; Fungal infection; Graphene oxides; Haemocompatibility; Medical treatment; Mortality rate; Nanocomposite hydrogels; antibacterial activity; antibiofilm activity; antifungal activity; antiinflammatory activity; antimicrobial activity; antioxidant activity; Article; biocompatibility; biofilm; biosafety; broth dilution; controlled study; cytotoxicity; DPPH radical scavenging assay; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; human; IC50; minimum bactericidal concentration; minimum fungicidal concentration; minimum inhibitory concentration; molecular docking; mortality; mycosis; optical spectroscopy; oxidative stress; periprosthetic joint infection; X ray diffraction; zeta potential; zone of inhibition; chemistry; drug effect; drug therapy; microbial sensitivity test; microbiology; prosthesis infection; Medicinal chemistry

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 9

For comprehensive information about the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), its institutional activities, scientific and research achievements, clinical and hospital services, and the diverse expertise offered through its 22 specialized research and clinical departments, as well as opportunities for professional training, specialized workshops, and scientific conferences, readers are invited to visit the Institute’s official website.

The website provides regularly updated information on the Institute’s latest news, research activities, scientific initiatives, clinical services, institutional programs, and academic and professional opportunities.

English Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/en/

Arabic Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/ar/

Prepared and Uploaded by:

Abdalla F. Abdalla

Electronic Portal Unit

Electronic Portal Unit

Popular Posts

A cost-performance index for nano-optical biosensor evaluation: Systematic evaluation of europium–salicylate luminescent platforms for GPC3-targeted early HCC diagnosis

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Hassan Y.M.; El-Tantawi H.; Ali I.R.; Attia M.S. Journal: Talanta Publisher: Elsevier B.V. Publication Date: January 2027 Volume / Issue: Volume 311 Article No.: 130103 ISSN: 399140 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2026.130103 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42391698 Document Type: Review Authors and Affiliations Hassan Y.M., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt; El-Tantawi H., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt; Ali I.R., Department of Immunology and Treatment Evaluation, Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Attia M.S., Chemistry Department, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 11623, Saudi Arabia Abstract Comparative evaluation of nano-optical biosensor platforms lacks a standardised, multi-parameter quantitative framework that integrates analytical performance...
Read more

Interpretation of liver stiffness measurement in patients with mixed liver disease etiologies

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: El Ray A.; El Ghannam M.; Rautou P.E. Journal: Arab Journal of Gastroenterology Publisher: Elsevier Ltd Publication Date: August 2026 ISSN: 16871979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2026.05.002 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42362465 Document Type: Letter Authors and Affiliations El Ray A., Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Hepatogastroenterology Department, Giza, Egypt, Faculty of Medicine, October 6 University, Egypt; El Ghannam M., Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Hepatogastroenterology Department, Giza, Egypt; Rautou P.E., Université Paris-Cité, Inserm, Centre de recherche sur l’inflammation, UMR 1149, Paris, France, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d’Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Clichy, France Abstract Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE)–based liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is widely used for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis and p...
Read more

Holothuria arenicola Extract-Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanocapsules Attenuate Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Mansour E.M.; Shemis M.; Fahmy S.R.; Amer M.A.; Mohamed A.S. Journal: Current Nanomedicine Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers Publication Date: September 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 16 / Issue 5 Pages: 771–786 ISSN: 24681873 DOI: 10.2174/0124681873401484250924125945 Scopus: View on Scopus Document Type: Article Authors and Affiliations Mansour E.M., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Shemis M., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Fahmy S.R., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Amer M.A., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Mohamed A.S., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt Abstract Introduction: Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by jaundice and cholestasis with various conseq...
Read more

Mytilus edulis-mediated green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with antimicrobial and molluscicidal applications

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Dokmak H.-A.A.; AlSedawy M.; Ramadan M.A.; Amin B.H.; Faid A.H.; Abdelmaksoud H.F.; El-Sayed S.M. Journal: Scientific Reports Publisher: Nature Research Publication Date: 7 September 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 16 / Issue 1 Article No.: 27918 ISSN: 20452322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-65860-3 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42706305 Document Type: Article Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access Authors and Affiliations Dokmak H.-A.A., Department of Medical Malacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; AlSedawy M., Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (For Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Ramadan M.A., Department of Laser Application in Metrology, Photochemistry and Agriculture, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Science (NILES) Cairo University (CU), Giza, Egypt; Amin B.H., The Regional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11787,...
Read more

Microbial levan potentiates hepatic retention and antitumor activity of a PEGylated benzimidazole–curcumin nanocomplex through TLR2–FXR/FGF15-associated immunometabolic remodeling in experimental liver cancer

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Shawky H.; Ibrahim N.E.; Amer M.N.; Al-Ashmawy A.A.K.; Hammam O.A.; Fayed D.B.; Maghraby A.S. Journal: Scientific Reports Publisher: Nature Research Publication Date: 12 August 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 16 / Issue 1 Article No.: 25094 ISSN: 20452322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-64576-8 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42581056 Document Type: Article Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access Authors and Affiliations Shawky H., Therapeutic Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt; Ibrahim N.E., Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt; Amer M.N., Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt; Al-Ashmawy A.A.K., Therapeutic Chem...
Read more

Variable clinical presentations of pulmonary hydatid cysts: a four-case series from a single center in United Arab Emirates, non-endemic region

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Yehya M.; Abdallah M.F.H.; Ajeka S.; Al-Masalmeh F.H.; Albaghdadi M.O.J. Journal: Journal of Surgical Case Reports Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication Date: 29 July 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 2026 / Issue 7 Article No.: rjag658 ISSN: 20428812 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjag658 Scopus: View on Scopus Document Type: Article Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access Authors and Affiliations Yehya M., Department of Thoracic Surgery, SAQR Hospital, Al Juwais Al Kadi St, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; Abdallah M.F.H., Department of Radiology, SAQR Hospital, Al Juwais Al Kadi St, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Mahad Al Abhas Al bahari St, Kornish Al Nile, Warraq Al Arab, Al Warak, Governorate, Giza, 3863341, Egypt; Ajeka S., Department of General Surgery, SAQR Hospital, Al Juwais Al Kadi St, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; Al-Masalmeh F.H., Department of ...
Read more

Corrigendum to ‘Eco-friendly approach for the removal and simultaneous detection of cyanide toxins from drinking and wastewater sources’ [Environ. Pollut. 385 (2025) 127094]

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: El-Sewify I.M.; Shenashen M.A.; Gomaa H.; Selim M.S.; Akhtar N.; Azzam A.; Mekawy M.; Emran M.Y.; Khairy M.; Shahat A.; Hasan M.; Elmarakbi A.; El-Safty S.A. Journal: Environmental Pollution Publisher: Elsevier Ltd Publication Date: September 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 405 Article No.: 128412 ISSN: 2697491 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128412 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42259729 Document Type: Erratum Authors and Affiliations El-Sewify I.M., Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1–2-1 Sengen, Ibaraki-ken, Tsukubashi, 305–0047, Japan, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt; Shenashen M.A., Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1–2-1 Sengen, Ibaraki-ken, Tsukubashi, 305–0047, Japan; Gomaa H., Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, Na...
Read more