Nanotechnology-Enabled Biomaterials: Transforming Tuberculosis Management through Advanced Diagnosis, Targeted Drug Delivery, and Immunotherapy

Tuberculosis remains a formidable global health challenge, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to combat this infectious disease. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field with great potential for revolutionizing TB treatment. This review presents an overview of the application of nanotechnology in diagnosis, drug delivery, and immunotherapy for TB. Nanotechnology offers new avenues for improved diagnosis of TB by enabling rapid and sensitive detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical samples. Nanoparticle-based biosensors can enhance the sensitivity and specificity of TB diagnostics. Nanoscale platforms such as quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, and gold nanoparticles can detect Mtb-specific biomarkers, facilitating early and accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation. Nano formulations, which include liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles, enable targeted delivery of anti-TB drugs to the site of infection. These nanocarriers protect the drugs from degradation, improve their solubility, and prolong circulation time, resulting in enhanced drug bioavailability and improved therapeutic outcomes. Nanotechnology-based approaches have the potential to significantly transform TB treatment by revolutionizing diagnosis, drug delivery, and immunotherapy; harnessing the unique properties of nanomaterials and nanodevices enables precise and targeted interventions, overcoming several limitations associated with conventional approaches. As research in this field progresses, it is anticipated that nanotechnology will continue to play a pivotal role in the fight against tuberculosis, ultimately contributing to global efforts to control and eradicate this devastating disease.