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Updated: Jan 29, 2026

The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis
Published on: August 11, 2008
Matryoshka-type gastro-resistant microparticles for the oral treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Vanesa Andreu1, Ane Larrea1,2, Pablo Rodriguez-Fernandez3,4,5,6
1Department of Chemical Engineering. Aragon Institute of Nanoscience (INA), University of Zaragoza, Campus Río Ebro-Edificio I+D, C/Poeta Mariano Esquillor S/N, Zaragoza 50018, Spain.
Aim:
Production of Matryoshka-type gastroresistant microparticles containing antibiotic-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Materials & Methods:
The emulsification and evaporation methods were followed for the synthesis of PLGA-NPs and methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate-based coatings to protect rifampicin from degradation under simulated gastric conditions.
Results & Conclusion:
The inner antibiotic-loaded NPs here reported can be released under simulated intestinal conditions whereas their coating protects them from degradation under simulated gastric conditions. The encapsulation does not hinder the antituberculosis action of the encapsulated antibiotic rifampicin. A sustained antibiotic release could be obtained when using the drug-loaded encapsulated NPs. Compared with the administration of the free drug, a more effective elimination of M. tuberculosis was observed when applying the NPs against infected macrophages. The antibiotic-loaded PLGA-NPs were also able to cross an in vitro model of intestinal barrier.
Insights
New Matryoshka-type microparticles protect rifampicin from stomach acid and effectively eliminate Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. These antibiotic nanoparticles offer sustained release and improved efficacy against tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel drug delivery systems.
- Current treatments for TB can be limited by drug degradation and suboptimal release kinetics.
- Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) offer a promising platform for drug delivery, but require protection from harsh physiological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop Matryoshka-type gastroresistant microparticles encapsulating antibiotic-loaded PLGA nanoparticles.
- To enhance the stability and efficacy of rifampicin against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- To investigate the drug release profile and intestinal barrier penetration of the novel microparticle system.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of PLGA nanoparticles loaded with the antibiotic rifampicin using emulsification and evaporation techniques.
- Development of a methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate-based coating for gastroresistance.
- Evaluation of NP stability under simulated gastric conditions and drug release under simulated intestinal conditions.
- Assessment of antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in infected macrophages and in vitro intestinal barrier models.
Main Results:
- The microparticle coating successfully protected rifampicin-loaded PLGA NPs from degradation in simulated gastric conditions.
- Sustained release of rifampicin was achieved under simulated intestinal conditions.
- Encapsulation did not compromise the antitubercular activity of rifampicin.
- The developed NPs demonstrated superior efficacy in eliminating M. tuberculosis compared to free rifampicin in infected macrophages.
- The antibiotic-loaded PLGA-NPs exhibited the ability to cross an in vitro model of the intestinal barrier.
Conclusions:
- Matryoshka-type gastroresistant microparticles provide effective protection for antibiotic-loaded PLGA NPs against gastric degradation.
- The novel system enables sustained antibiotic release and enhanced efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- These findings suggest a promising new strategy for oral delivery of anti-TB drugs, improving treatment outcomes.
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