Nanoparticles as drug transporters: a promising tool against tuberculosis

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) places Tuberculosis (TB) as one of the most important health problems today. According to the WHO, this disease requires novel actions to control its expansion and, in this way, achieve one of the goals established in the sustainable development goals: to reduce TB morbidity and incidence by 2030 and regain control. To achieve this goal, the tools currently used for diagnosis and treatment are no longer adequate. In this sense, it is necessary to develop new drugs and vaccines, as well as novel drug administration procedures that generate a better response, reduce times, and optimize treatments. Nanotechnology has incorporated in recent years a considerable number of new tools that significantly increase the diversity of mechanisms for the administration of anti-tuberculosis drugs. Therefore, the present review briefly describes the current state of drug resistance in tuberculosis, as well as the general characteristics of nanoparticles being evaluated as tools to transport new antibiotics against tuberculosis.