Antifungal Activity of a Fluconazole‐Conjugated ZnO─TiO2─Chitosan Biopolymer Composite

Abstract The rising prevalence of fungal infections and increasing resistance to conventional antifungal agents necessitate innovative therapeutic strategies. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a novel fluconazole (FCZ)‐conjugated ZnO–TiO 2 –chitosan (CS) nanocomposite with potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger . The nanocomposite was synthesized via a solution‐based method and characterized using FTIR, SEM, EDX, XRD, and particle size distribution (PSD) to determine its physicochemical properties. Antifungal efficacy was evaluated using the well‐diffusion method, showing zones of inhibition of 15 mm and 24 mm against C. albicans and A. niger , respectively. Cytotoxicity assessment on MCF‐7 cells via MTT assay demonstrated dose‐dependent effects, with cell viability exceeding 87% at 1.25 µg mL −1 , indicating marginal cytotoxicity. These results highlight the synergistic antifungal activity and favorable biocompatibility of the FCZ–ZnO–TiO 2 –CS nanocomposite, establishing it as a promising candidate for otomycosis treatment and advanced biomedical applications.