Development of a new synthetic xerogel nanoparticles of silver and zinc oxide against causative agents of dermatophytoses.

Background: Dermatophytes, which are the common causative agents of superficial infection on the human skin called dermatophytosis that can be treated by various antifungal drugs. Nanoparticles composed of such drugs have many benefits. A new form called xerogel of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) was prepared and tested against dermatophytes.

Methods: Xerogel consists of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs was prepared. Characteristics of chemical composition, surface morphology, and nanoparticle size were determined. Antidermatophytic action of prepared xerogel was investigated against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum.

Results: The new preparation exhibited satisfactory character of xerogel nanoparticles. Trichophyton mentagrophytes showed more susceptibility to xerogel with lower minimum inhibitory concentration than T. verrucosum.

Conclusions: Xerogel nanoparticles composed of Ag and ZnO were successfully prepared. They had antidermatophytic action in specific concentrations.