Synthesis and antifungal activity of novel griseofulvin nanoparticles with zinc oxide against dermatophytic fungi: Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum: A primary study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dermatophytoses is an important type of skin disease caused by dermatophytes. The long-term treatment of this disease with standard antifungal agents may be improved through the application of nanotechnology. This study aimed to prepare nanoparticles of griseofulvin with zinc oxide and assess its antifungal action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nanoparticles of griseofulvin with zinc oxide (GF-ZnO NPs) were prepared. Physical characteristics of new preparation and antidermatophytic action against two species of dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum) were investigated. Testing of two species was considered a primary test for antifungals of griseofulvin nanoparticles. RESULTS: Physical examination indicated that GF-ZnO NPs had typical nanoparticle characteristics. A new formulation showed effective inhibitory action against two fungal species with higher efficiency than that of griseofulvin. T. mentagrophytes required a higher MIC value (0.0625 µg/mL) of GF-ZnO NPs than that required by T. verrucosum (0.031 µg/mL). CONCLUSION: GF-ZnO NPs revealed an effective action against dermatophytes compared to griseofulvin alone. Nanoparticles containing griseofulvin may be used in the development of a novel drug for the treatment of dermatophytosis.