An Overview of Nanofibers for Enhanced Antifungal Therapy

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from fungal infections, a common but frequently overlooked health issue. Oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis, and skin infections are examples of mild fungal diseases, but in immunocompromised people, they can worsen and potentially become fatal. Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus are examples of invasive infections that greatly increase morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the widespread use of oral, topical, and parenteral antifungal treatments in clinical practice, their effectiveness is often restricted. Treatment outcomes are still compromised by poor drug penetration, brief retention at the site of infection, systemic adverse effects, repetitive dosing, and the developing issue of antifungal resistance. Nanotechnology has emerged in recent years as a promising solution to tackle these limitations, with particular attention given to nanofibers as advanced systems for drug delivery. Nanofibers, typically generated through electrospinning, provide a large surface area, a porous framework, and a close similarity to the extracellular matrix. These characteristics enable them to be created as thin, flexible and adaptable mats that bond effectively to skin and mucosal areas, guaranteeing extended residence duration and regulated drug release while minimizing systemic exposure. This review emphasizes the drawbacks of traditional antifungal treatments and explores the increasing significance of nanofiber-based systems, concentrating on their fabrication, assessment, recent advancements, and uses in targeted antifungal therapy.