Therapeutic Nanostructures in Antitubercular Therapy

Nano-biomaterials have immense potential as carriers in nanotherapeutic therapy of chronic and resurgent tuberculosis that can affect several human organs, including the brain, the kidneys, the bones, and, primarily, the lungs. World Health Organization (WHO) recommended antitubercular drugs are well known for their toxicity (especially hepatotoxicity), drug interactions, and multidrug resistance problems – a perfect case for the application of nanobiotechnology. In this chapter, the strategies of utilizing nanostructures in addressing lacunae in the therapy of tuberculosis will be discussed. Targeted use of nanotechnology will help to overcome the biological barriers and finally develop an effective dose regimen for the treatment of this deadly disease. The different nanometer scale technologies, materials, systems, and their routes of administration will be discussed, as well as possible toxicity concerns and future prospects. Primarily, pulmonary tuberculosis is the main focus here, however, the potential of targeted delivery to other sites of the infection has also been addressed.58