Agar Composites Containing Zinc Zeolite Infused with Quillaja Saponins Exhibit Improved Structural Properties and Anti-Candida Activity

Candida strains are opportunistic pathogens frequently responsible for severe and dangerous infections. Therefore, the need for biomaterials with antifungal properties is urgent. To obtain a safe environment, biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide porous materials the agar foams were prepared. To provide antifungal properties, both zinc zeolite and saponins of Quillaja saponaria were applied. Moreover, the saponins, as surfactants, were chosen as foaming agents. The study includes zinc zeolite synthesis, foams preparation and spectral analysis of the obtained product. Finally, the foams toxicity against Candida albicans PCM 2566 strain was investigated. The results presented that the zeolite was successfully introduced in the agar structure. Saponins addition significantly increases the porosity and homogeneity of the foam, which was observed using scanning electron and infrared microscopy. The microbiological tests proved that foams containing zinc zeolite or saponins caused a 25% reduction in C. albicans cells viability. However, the foams containing both zinc zeolite and Q. saponaria saponins decreased yeast activity by over 80%. That confirmed that the agar-based foams with zinc zeolite and saponins can be valuable environmental-friendly biomaterials with antifungal properties.