Nanoantifungal Agents and Their Hybrids

Zn NPs enable killing of the tumor cells that may also help to preserve the immune cells intact and this activity can be used for both tumor detection and therapy (cancer theranostics) simultaneously [113]. Anticancer drug-functionalized iron or zinc nanoparticles can improve the adherence of the drug-NP conjugate to the target tumor cell and can ensure targeted release of the anticancer drugs to malignant or tumor cells [114–116]. Another study detected that magnetic NPs encapsulated with silica can be effectively used as antitumor drugs [117]. Polymeric nanoparticles such as solid lipid nanoparticles and dendrimers are also potent smart nanovehicles ensuring the targeted delivery of drug molecules in cancer tissues. Nanoencapsulation of 5-fluorouracil in solid lipid nanoparticles improved the specific problems associated with rapid metabolism and shorter life time [118]. This nanovehicle therefore improved the use of the 5-fluorouracil for treatment of colorectal cancer conditions. Meena et al. [40] and Hassan et al. [3] detected the major benefits of CNTs fungal and tumor infections treatment. Xie et al. [119] successfully demonstrated the relevancy of a carbon nanoparticle suspension injection for the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma.

#### Nanocomposites

The combination of nanomaterials and drugs, sugars, proteins and DNA potentiated detection and control of animal tumors [120]. The parental inoculation of nanocomposite of Au NPs and gum Arabic act as fluorescent agents in canine cancer therapy [121]. Osama et al. [76] found a significant ability of liposomes to reach the targeted tumors tissues and effective drugs release. Osama et al. [76] estimated the viability of liposome hybrid NPs in detection and therapy of canine tumors in the spleen. Furthermore, dendrimers, the hybrid nanomaterials have the potentials to be conjugated with biological materials and anticancer drugs and released them in targeted tissues in the body and hence excellent tumor detection and treatment were achieved (Figure 4). The combination of MSNPs/folic acid resulted in possibilities of direction of a drug to tumor cells and hence treatment of tumors in mice [122].

#### 3.3.2. Cancer Diagnosis Applications

The essential role for the correct disease diagnosis involves clear observation of the affected tissues activities via imaging.

#### Nanoantifungal-Based Diagnostic Approaches

The majority of antifungal nanomaterials such as magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can be employed in MRI imaging of body tissues [123]. A particular benefits of these NPs is their greater ability to penetrate through the cell membranes and reach blood supply to contrasts of targeted cells as canine stem cells [124]. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with PEG and <sup>64</sup>Cu exhibited encouraging PET and MRI imaging properties besides possessing good stability [125]. Packed graphene oxide also possesses significant potential for quick and sensitive detection and treatment of infections [126]. QDs, the semiconductor materials exhibit huge potential for disease diagnostic applications [127–129].

**Figure 4.** Immuno-modulatory and other functions of nano-antifungals for cancer therapeutics.
