Comparison of cationic beta-glucans with antifungal properties — Correlation between chemical structure and biological activity

The paper presents methods of synthesis of several cationic beta-glucans obtained from oat, barley and produced by Alcaligenes faecalis, and a systematic analysis of their antifungal properties and immunomodulatory activity. Studies have shown that the antifungal activity of cationic beta-glucans depends on the degree of cationization and the molecular weight. Polymers with higher degrees of cationization have selective inhibition against some fungi, including Candida parapsilosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and Scedosporium apiospermum. The MIC values range from 0.49 to 31.25 mg/L. Antifungal active polymers exhibit low in vitro toxicity to mammalian cells and do not affect the release of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Antifungal efficacy was confirmed in vivo in the Galleria mellonella insect model. Our studies show new possibilities of using beta-glucans of natural origin modified through the cationization process to combat certain fungal infections or prevent the growth of certain pathogenic fungi.