Potential of Improving the Treatment of Tuberculosis Through Nanomedicine

Abstract

Current treatment of tuberculosis is inadequate due to lengthy treatment course and drug-related toxicity. To address these setbacks, we developed a nanotechnology drug delivery system that can be administered in a single dose that maintains an active level of drug for at least a week. Polymeric poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles of 200–300 nm were synthesized, with a drug encapsulation efficiency of 50–65% for isoniazid and rifampicin. The particles were taken up in vitro and in vivo and a slow release profile was observed in mice over 5 days. This study illustrates the feasibility of a sustained release system for tuberculosis treatment.

Keywords:

• Drug release
• nanomedicine
• PLGA nanoparticles
• tuberculosis

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Mr Kobus Venter, at the Medical Research Council for assisting with the technical aspects of the mice studies. This study was funded by the South African Department of Science and technology.