Nitric oxide-releasing nanoparticles could treat burn infections

Nanotechnology has made it possible to develop a new way to fight off a leading fungal cause of burn infections in hospitals. Nitric oxide (NO)-releasing nanoparticles can be an effective therapy in treating Candida albicans infections after a severe burn, which can lead to death. NO is known to have antifugal activity and regulate wound healing. An inexpensive and stable NO-releasing nanoparticle (NO-np) platform has been recently developed. In a new study, researchers hypothesized that NO-np would be an effective therapy in the treatment of C. albicans burn infections. In a living rodent model, NO-np demonstrated antifungal activity against C. albicans. The results of the study suggest that NO-np have the potential to serve as a topical antifungal which can be used for the treatment of cutaneous burn infections and wounds.