Applications of Inorganic Nanomaterials against Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Review

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a significant global health threat, with millions of new infections recorded annually. Current treatment strategies, such as Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), face challenges, including patient non-compliance and the emergence of drug-resistant TB strains. In response to these obstacles, innovative approaches utilizing inorganic/metallic nanomaterials have been developed to enhance drug delivery to target alveolar macrophages, where Mycobacterium tuberculosis resides. These nanomaterials have shown effectiveness against various strains of TB, offering benefits such as improved drug efficacy, minimized side effects, and sustained drug release at the infection site. This comprehensive review explores the applications of different metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and metal-metal oxide hybrid nanoparticles in the management of TB, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. The synergistic effects of combining inorganic nanoparticles with conventional anti-TB drugs have demonstrated promising results in combating TB infections. Further research and development in this field hold great promise for overcoming the challenges faced in current TB therapy and improving patient outcomes.