Size- and shape-dependent clinical and mycological efficacy of silver nanoparticles on dandruff
Authors: Mohammad F Anwar
Sumeet Kapoor
Deepak Yadav
Swati Jain
Indu Arora
Shweta Rastogi
Mohammed Samim
Journal: International Journal of Nanomedicine (2016)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: Malassezia furfur; Wistar rat model; in vivo analysis; nanorods.

Abstract:  Dandruff is a prominent scalp problem caused by the growth of fungus Malassezia furfur, potentially cascading into dermal inflammation, itching, and tissue damage. The present work outlines a detailed analysis of the treatment of scalp infection using silver nanomaterials (Ag NMs), and focuses on biocidal activity owing to manipulation of size, shape, and structure. Monodisperse silver spherical nanoparticles (NPs) and nanorods (NRs) were synthesized by chemical routes that were characterized using analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Ag NMs demonstrated enhanced biocidal tendencies compared to market available drugs, itracanozole and ketoconazole, showing greater zones of inhibition. The obtained 20 nm and 50 nm spherical-shaped NPs and 50 nm NRs showed concentration-, size-, and shape-dependent antifungal activity, with 20 nm spherical-shaped NPs exhibiting excellent potency. Minimum inhibitory concentration for 20 nm was lowest at 0.2 mg/mL in comparison to 0.3 mg/mL for NRs. Primary irritation index was 0.33 and 0.16 for 20 nm and 50 nm spherical-shaped NPs, respectively, while 50 nm rod-shaped NMs exhibited negligible redness. An in vivo model for M. furfur infection was generated by passing fungi subcutaneously in rats' skin. Again, 20 nm particles showed best normalization of skin after 10 days on regular dosing, in comparison with bigger and rod-shaped particles. The statistical clinical score was highest for Ag nanorods, followed by 50 nm Ag NPs-treated animals. It was observed that 20 nm spherical particles exhibited the lowest score (0) compared with others as well as with antifungal drugs. Biochemical analysis performed by checking antioxidant enzymatic activities indicated tissue repair and normalization of enzymes and protein concentration by Ag NPs. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 5B appears to include 2 sets of smears with unexpected similarities including background features; compare green-green and red-red. Images differ slightly in contrast and in proportions. ***  , 
 These PCRs have been performed several times between 2009 and 2012. Several scientists from our lab have been working on this project and confirmed those data. Here are some pictures from the lab books attesting that we performed all those experiments (+ = NCSC and - = MSC). According to those results we confirmed that the data presented in the published manuscript are true data. Taking into consideration that everybody has the right to question data, we only regret that weu2019ve never been contacted regarding this issue, nor by the person who submitted this comment neither by PubPeer mentioning that a comment has been posted regarding one of our study.      , 
 Panels in Figure 2 of this paper are also similar to panels in other papers. This paper is part of a set of 5 papers that all appear to contain similar panels. Similar looking panels are shown in red (SOX10), yellow (Nestin) and aqua (p75NTR). The panels might represent the same experiments, but it is strange that they are reused over a period of 6 years. * A. Glejzer et al., Cell. Mol. Life Sci. (2011) 68:2101u20132114. DOI 10.1007 s00018-010-0558-5 * Wislet-Gendebien et al., PLoS ONE 7(10): e46425 (2012). doi:10.1371 journal.pone.0046425 * Neirinckx et al., PLoS ONE 8(5): e64723 (2013). doi: 10.1371 journal.pone.0064723 * Wislet-Gendebien et al., Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 69(15):2593-2608 (2012). doi: 10.1007 s00018-012-0937-1 (this paper) * Coste et al., PLoS ONE 12(7): e0177962 (2017). DOI: 10.1371 journal.pone.0177962    , 
 May 8, 2021 u201cThe Editor-in-Chief has retracted this article. Following publication concerns that were raised with a number of Figures, specifically: Fig. 5B: the panels for ID2 and Nestin appear to be very similar Fig. 5B: the panels for Hes1 and Sox2 appear to be very similar The Editor-in-Chief therefore no longer has confidence in the reliability of the data reported in the article. Sabine Wislet, Emerence Laudet, Christophe Poulet, Bernard Rogister, Pierre Leprince do not agree to this retraction. Virginie Neirinckx agrees to this retraction. Philippe Alix, Aneta Glejzer, Benoit Hennuy, Lukas Sommer, Olga Shakhova have not responded to correspondence from the publisher about this retraction.u201d ,