Ultrastructural, Morphological, and Antifungal Properties of Micro and Nanoparticles of Chitosan Crosslinked with Sodium Tripolyphosphate

Recent studies have demonstrated the antibacterial effect of micro and nanoparticles of chitosan (CS) crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), and incorporating metallic ions, bringing that the size, shape, and zeta potential are related to the antimicrobial potential. However, there are few studies on the antifungal activity and the effect of TPP on the antimicrobial potential. Micro and nanoparticles were prepared from CS by ionotropic gelation with TPP, and structurally characterized by transmission and scanning electron spectroscopy, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Depending on the concentration of CS and TPP, spherical particles were obtained from 80 nm to 20 μm. Subsequently, particles were evaluated for their antifungal potential against Aspergillus parasiticus assessing radial growth, spore germination, and morphological changes. An increase in the antifungal potential compared with CS in solution was observed, inhibiting the development of the fungus causing clear morphological changes in both, hyphae and spores. Particle size and the availability of functional groups of CS/TPP (amino group and phosphate), suggest a possible synergistic effect between CS and TPP.