Fundamental interactions between organosilica nanoparticles and the human pathogen, Candida albicans

Bloodstream infections caused by the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans pose a significant health challenge both from a treatment and a diagnostic perspective. Nanoparticle-based systems hold great potential to overcome current treatment and diagnostic challenges, but very few studies have addressed the fundamental design of these nanoparticles against pathogenic microorganisms. This thesis describes the synthesis and characterisation of nanoparticles and the evaluation of the effect of their intrinsic and modifiable properties on the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans and immune cells. The results build the knowledge foundation for future developments of nanomaterials as diagnostic sensors, therapeutic or imaging agents against bloodstream infections caused by Candida albicans.