Nano-Micro hybrid carriers for drug delivery as tuberculosis therapeutics

Abstract

Tuberculosis is regarded as one of the most dangerous disease and it’s threat is a matter of high concern globally. Yes, there are anti-TB drugs available in the market but occurrence of Multi drug resistant (MDR)/extensively drug resistant (XDR) TB has proved them ineffective and pushed the scientific society to develop a new approach to combat TB. Nanotechnology is a very recent multidisciplinary science and nanoparticle-based drug delivery approaches are in need. These delivery systems target the drug properly to the site of infection leading to high drug concentration at the site and they promote sustainable release of drug for a prolonged time, also have lesser side effects compared to these free drugs. In case of free drugs, patient has to take frequent large dosage of medicine, but these nanoparticle mediated drug delivery approaches have reduced both the frequency and dosage of drugs. Available diagnostic methods to detect the TB are time taking, inefficient and unreliable. Nanoparticles can be effective in diagnosis also, due to their special physical and optical properties. Nanoparticle based diagnostic assays are quite easy, reliable and will be completed in a short time. The main aim of this project is to develop front-line (Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Rifampicin, Ethambutol dihydrochloride) anti-tuberculosis drugs loaded PLGA nanoparticle using the ultrasonic atomizer for the treatment of TB and colorimetric diagnostic method using super-paramagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticle.