About this Research Topic
Fungal biofilms have emerged as a significant concern in the field of infectious diseases, particularly due to their role in increasing morbidity and mortality rates within healthcare settings. These biofilms, formed by fungi such as Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and Fusarium spp., exhibit enhanced resistance to conventional antifungal treatments, posing a challenge to effective disease management. Current antifungal therapies, including polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins, are limited by their narrow activity spectrum, potential side effects, and the emergence of resistant strains. This has led to an urgent need for novel antifungal agents, particularly those derived from natural sources. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of plant-derived products in combating biofilms, yet systematic research on their efficacy and integration into modern medicine remains insufficient. The exploration of plant-based antifungal strategies, including the use of nanotechnology and molecular tools, is crucial for advancing our understanding and treatment of biofilm-associated infections.
This research topic aims to systematically explore the chemistry, bioactivity, and functional roles of biologically active compounds from plant products, with a focus on their potential as alternative antifungal agents. The goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal biofilm resistance and to investigate the efficacy of plant-derived compounds in overcoming these challenges. By integrating nanotechnology and molecular tools, this research seeks to bridge the gap between traditional phyto-medicine and contemporary antifungal therapies, ultimately enhancing the management of fungal infections.
To gather further insights into the pharmacognosy of plant products and their application in combating fungal biofilms, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Development and mechanism of fungal biofilm resistance.
- Studying fungal morphogenesis, quorum sensing, and metabolism in biofilm-related pathogenesis.
- Fungal biofilms as targets for novel drug discovery.
- Development of experimental model systems in vivo to study biofilm inhibition by phyto-compounds.
- Plant products in potentiating existing antifungal drugs to control fungal biofilm-associated infections.
- Prevention and control of fungal biofilm-based infections on medical devices or implants.
This research topic aims to systematically explore the chemistry, bioactivity, and functional roles of biologically active compounds from plant products, with a focus on their potential as alternative antifungal agents. The goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal biofilm resistance and to investigate the efficacy of plant-derived compounds in overcoming these challenges. By integrating nanotechnology and molecular tools, this research seeks to bridge the gap between traditional phyto-medicine and contemporary antifungal therapies, ultimately enhancing the management of fungal infections.
To gather further insights into the pharmacognosy of plant products and their application in combating fungal biofilms, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Development and mechanism of fungal biofilm resistance.
- Studying fungal morphogenesis, quorum sensing, and metabolism in biofilm-related pathogenesis.
- Fungal biofilms as targets for novel drug discovery.
- Development of experimental model systems in vivo to study biofilm inhibition by phyto-compounds.
- Plant products in potentiating existing antifungal drugs to control fungal biofilm-associated infections.
- Prevention and control of fungal biofilm-based infections on medical devices or implants.
Keywords: fungal biofilms, fungal morphogenesis, novel drug discovery, fungal biofilm control, Omics technology
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
