Nystatin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Coated Fabric: A Promising Approach for the Management of Diabetic Foot Fungal Infections.

INTRODUCTION

One of the major complications in diabetic patients is foot disease. The microbial infections associated with this condition lead to skin infections, nail disease, and diabetic dermopathy. Nano-coating of textile fabric can be an approach to producing antimicrobial surfaces used as prophylactic agents to combat this foot disease.

METHOD: Nystatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were impregnated onto cotton fabric. The nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method and coated onto the fabric.

RESULTS

Characterization showed a mean particle size of 154.6 nm and a zeta potential of +51.3 mV, indicating high stability. FTIR showed marked changes in peak positions, indicating interactions among chitosan, nystatin, and the fabric. SEM confirmed the presence of nanoparticles on the fabric, and XRD showed a change in the crystalline structure. The antifungal potential of the coated fabric was tested against C. albicans, with a ZOI of 23.5 mm before and 17.16 mm after washing cycles.

DISCUSSION: The coated fabric showed an initial burst release of nystatin followed by controlled diffusion, aligning with previous reports. Its antifungal activity remained stable after ten washing cycles, demonstrating superior durability compared to earlier fabric coatings. As this study was limited to in vitro evaluation, further in vivo validation is warranted.

CONCLUSION

The coated fabric showed good antifungal activity with minimal loss of its inherent textile properties and preserved this effect after washing cycles. It can be used to make footwear for diabetic patients as a prophylactic measure.