Preparation of amphotericin B-loaded hybrid liposomes and the integration of chitin-binding proteins for enhanced antifungal activity.

Amphotericin B (AMB) is a gold standard antifungal drug because of its broad-spectrum activity toward pathogenic yeasts and molds. Because of its low solubility in water and toxicity toward humans, several lipid-based formulations that either increase the aqueous solubility or decrease the side effects have been employed in practical use. In our previous research, we found that the combination of AMB with an artificial palmitoylated chitin-binding domain from Pteris ryukyuensis chitinase (LysM-Pal) resulted in synergistic antifungal action against Trichoderma viride.

Enhancement of the Antifungal Activity of Chitinase by Palmitoylation and the Synergy of Palmitoylated Chitinase with Amphotericin B.

Combinations of antifungal drugs can have synergistic antifungal activity, achieving high therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the side effects. Amphotericin B (AMB) has been used as a standard antifungal drug for fungal infections; however, because of its high toxicity, new strategies to minimize the required dose are desirable. Chitinases have recently received attention as alternative safe antifungal agents.