Nano-strategies used for combatting the scourge of tuberculosis infections

The rapid growth and spread of multi-drug resistance (MDR) in Tuberculosis (TB) poses a severe threat to global public health. Existing antibiotics are increasingly ineffective against MDR-TB, contributing to millions of deaths each year. Recently, novel antituberculosis nanomaterials have been developed as innovative tools to combat MDR-TB. This review introduces several nanotechnology-based strategies aimed at addressing drug resistance in TB infections. Specifically, we highlight key elements in two critical areas: (1) the construction of nanoparticles with inherent mechanisms to overcome drug resistance, for instance, the newly discovered antimicrobial peptides and metal ions can achieve 60%–99% clearance efficiency against TB strains. (2) The development of a series of nanocarriers to drug delivery efficiency and in vivo safety. Additionally, we also discuss the smart-designed nanomaterials that responsive to infectious microenvironment for locally and precisely deliver drug to infected sites. This review provides typical and comprehensive overview on the applications of nano-strategies for the treatment of drug-resistant TB-infections.