Evaluation of antifungal activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles and associated cellular responses

• Published in: Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry Vol. 88; no. 10; pp. 1225 - 1232
• Main Authors: Nishino, Shunsuke, Oiki, Sayoko, Yamana, Yoshimasa, Hagiwara, Daisuke
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 20.09.2024
• Subjects: Antifungal Agents - pharmacology; Aspergillus oryzae - drug effects; Aspergillus oryzae - genetics; Aspergillus oryzae - metabolism; Cerium - chemistry; Cerium - pharmacology; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal - drug effects; Metal Nanoparticles - chemistry; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Phosphates - pharmacology; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; Spores, Fungal - drug effects; Ultraviolet Rays; cerium oxide; nanoparticle; antifungal activity; ROS; Aspergillus oryzae
• ISSN: 1347-6947; 1347-6947
• DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbae101

ABSTRACT Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, as a metal oxide nanomaterial, are increasingly used for various industrial and biomedical applications. Although their cytotoxicity to bacteria and the associated mechanisms have attracted particular attention, the mechanisms behind their antifungal effects have remained unclear. This study investigated the antifungal properties of CeO2, focusing on Aspergillus oryzae. CeO2 inhibited fungal spore germination on solid substrates, and the effect was fungistatic rather than fungicidal. CeO2 inhibited fungal growth, especially under UV irradiation, and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Tocopherol reduced the intracellular ROS levels and the growth-inhibitory effects of CeO2, suggesting that ROS are involved in these growth-inhibitory effects. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulated expression of genes related to phospholipases and phosphate metabolism. CeO2 affected phosphate ion concentration in the medium, potentially influencing cellular responses. This research provided valuable insights into the antifungal effects of CeO2 application, which differ from those of conventional photocatalysts like TiO2. Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract Cerium oxide nanoparticles show antifungal activity and induce ROS accumulation inside fungal cells.