Abstract

Background:
Many dermatophyte infections have become health problems in humans and animals and require treatment with chemical antifungals whose adverse effects cannot be ignored and are difficult to obtain in many countries. Therefore, research has begun to find biological alternatives and load them onto fine nanoparticles that have proven effective in many fields.

Aim:
This study investigated the antifungal efficacy of chitosan nanoparticle-coated coconut oil (CO/CsNPs) against Microsporum canis, which was collected from cattle suspected to be infected with ringworm.

Methods:
Microsporum canis was isolated using Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), and colony coloration (white/yellow front, deep yellow/orange reverse). Spindle-shaped macroconidia and septate hyphae were identified microscopically. Distinct phytochemical compound analysis using GC-MS revealed that COEx is predominantly phenolic compounds (96.63%), with minor alkaloids and resins. After biosynthesizing the CO/CsNPs with the sol-gel technique, chitosan and sodium tri-poly-phosphate (STPP), the characterization of CO/CsNPs with UV-visible absorption spectroscopy confirmed successful nanoencapsulation with peaks indicating phenolic, terpenoid, and flavonoid interactions. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that nanoparticles averaged 39.7–50.06 nm in size, with rough surfaces enhancing biological interactions and sharp edges potentially disrupting microbial membranes. Energy dispersive X-ray explained the elemental composition (C, O, and N) and reduced crystallinity in
nanocomposites, suggesting improved polymer flexibility.

Results:
The antifungal activity of CO/CsNPs exhibited concentration-dependent, with 527.40 μg/ml achieving 100% fungicidal activity against M. canis. Lower concentrations (263.7 and 174.04 μg/ml) exhibited 99.99% inhibition. The study highlights CO/CsNPs as a potent antifungal agent, urging further research into clinical trials, genetic engineering for enhanced properties, sustainable production, and veterinary applications.

Conclusion:
This work underscores the promise of nanotechnology-integrated coconut oil in combating fungal infections in animals while emphasizing the need for expanded safety and efficacy studies.

Key words: Antifungal; Coconut oil/chitosan nanoparticles; Microsporum canis; Ringworm; Nanotechnology.