Dendrimer-based drug delivery systems for tuberculosis treatment

Abstract Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, has shown its evolution over generations, where it was once found in soil and now it inhabits mammals. It is an aerosol-based transmissible disease, with aerosol particles being the most standard mode of transmission. Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, microemulsions, liquid-crystalline systems, and dendrimers are some of the nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches. It is expected that an ideal drug delivery system will be able to deliver the active moieties at the target site, would reduce the dose without affecting the therapeutic window, would diminish the associated side effects, and would make the treatment simpler. However, a shift to the nanotechnology-based approach as a wiser option for the administration of the drug is made, which has shown impressive results in not only lessening the side effects but has also shown improvements to enhance the bioavailability of the drugs. Further, this approach as a drug delivery system could be administered via different routes, be it oral or pulmonary administration. The drug can be loaded in a matrix (single or multiple drugs) and thus its carrier ability is improved. This chapter highlights the use of dendrimers as a novel drug delivery system for the treatment of tuberculosis. The problems encountered with the drugs associated with the DOTS treatment, such as low solubility, poor bioavailability, and minimized efficacy have been overcome using dendrimers.