Nanotechnology approaches for global infectious diseases

Abstract

Infectious diseases are a major driver of morbidity and mortality globally. Treatment of malaria, tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus infection are particularly challenging, as indicated by the ongoing transmission and high mortality associated with these diseases. The formulation of new and existing drugs in nano-sized carriers promises to overcome several challenges associated with the treatment of these diseases, including low on-target bioavailability, sub-therapeutic drug accumulation in microbial sanctuaries and reservoirs, and low patient adherence due to drug-related toxicities and extended therapeutic regimens. Further, nanocarriers can be used for formulating vaccines, which represent a major weapon in our fight against infectious diseases. Here we review the current burden of infectious diseases with a focus on major drivers of morbidity and mortality. We then highlight how nanotechnology could aid in improving existing treatment modalities. We summarize our progress so far and outline potential future directions to maximize the impact of nanotechnology on the global population.

Incorporation of Antibiotics into Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Approach to Reduce Antibiotic Resistance Emergence

“…Typically, DDSs can increase drug efficiency by (i) enhancing drug stability or solubility; (ii) improving release kinetics; (iii) performing a targeted drug delivery to a specific cell, tissue or molecule; (iv) allowing a higher drug penetration; or (v) obtaining better biodistribution. Moreover, it has been observed that nanocarriers can enhance drug accumulation near infections because blood vessels at infection sites are leaky [ 28 ]. Improving such relevant pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics factors can contribute to the reposition of antibiotics that nowadays are ineffective against resistant bacteria.…”

“…As mentioned in Section 2.4 , bacteria can express antibiotic modifying enzymes to inactivate antibiotics and acquire resistance. Nanocarriers can reduce this inactivation by protecting antibiotics from enzymatic activity, thus, avoiding this resistance mechanism ( Figure 4 ) [ 28 ].…”

Stimuli-Responsive Nanoplatform-Assisted Photodynamic Therapy Against Bacterial Infections

“…Stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms have unique advantages in spatial and temporal manipulations of drug release and elongation of blood retention, which provide a promising strategy for drug delivery ( 70 ). Currently, regarding unique microenvironment of bacterial infections, various responsive strategies have been widely developed on the basis of pH, enzymes, and redox gradients to improve the efficiency of antibacterial PDT.…”

Opportunities for Nanomedicine in Clostridioides difficile Infection

“…Organic nanocarrier systems have been evaluated for the treatment of local infections of the female reproductive tract, lungs and skin. Injectable nanocarriers have also been explored for the systemic delivery of drugs [ 120 ]. Regarding the types of pathogens targeted, nanoparticles have also been extensively explored for treating fungal [ 121 ], bacterial [ 120 ] and viral infections, including by Candida albicans and severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [ 122 ].…”