Ecotoxicity and Mutagenicity Assessment of Novel Antifungal Agents VT-1161 and T-2307

Antifungal substances are essential for managing fungal infections in humans, animals, and plants, and their usage has significantly increased due to the global rise in fungal infections. However, the extensive application of antifungal agents in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and agriculture has led to their widespread environmental dissemination through various pathways, such as excretion, improper disposal, and agricultural runoff. Despite advances in wastewater treatment, many antifungal compounds persist in the environment, affecting non-target organisms and contributing to resistance development. This study investigates the environmental impact of two novel antifungal agents, VT-1161 and T-2307, recently introduced as alternatives for treating resistant <i>Candida</i> spp. We assessed their ecotoxicity and mutagenicity using multiple bioassays: immobilization of <i>Daphnia magna</i>, growth inhibition of <i>Raphidocelis subcapitata</i>, luminescence inhibition of <i>Aliivibrio fischeri</i>, and mutagenicity on <i>Salmonella typhimurium</i> strain TA100. Results indicate that both VT-1161 and T-2307 exhibit lower toxicity compared to existing antifungal compounds, with effective concentrations (EC₅₀) causing 50% response ranging from 14.34 to 27.92 mg L⁻¹. Furthermore, both agents were classified as less hazardous based on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Despite these favorable results, further research is needed to understand their environmental behavior, interactions, and potential resistance development among non-target species. Our findings highlight the importance of comprehensive environmental risk assessments to ensure the sustainable use of new antifungal agents.