Abstract:
Enhanced antifungal activity against the yeast species Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae was displayed by ZnS–ZnO nanocomposites prepared by a simple precipitation
technique. The antifungal activity was significantly more in the presence of indoor light than under dark
conditions and was a clear confirmation of the inhibitory role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated
in situ by the photocatalytic nanocomposites. The generation of ROS was further evidenced by flow
cytometry results and membrane permeabilisation studies. Time kill assay and growth curve analysis
indicated diminished antifungal activity under dark conditions due primarily to Zn2+ efflux in solution.
