EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SILVER NANOCOMPOSITES ON RIFAMPICIN-RESISTANT M. TUBERCULOSIS STRAINS

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Microbiology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-MTB) poses a significant global health challenge.
• Novel strategies are needed to restore the efficacy of essential anti-tuberculosis drugs like rifampicin.
• Nanotechnology offers potential solutions for enhancing drug effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in combination with rifampicin against RR-MTB.
• To determine the optimal concentration of AgNPs for potentiating rifampicin's anti-tubercular activity.
• To assess the safety of AgNPs in an animal model.

Main Methods:

• A nanocomposite of rifampicin and varying concentrations of AgNPs (0.25%–10%) was tested against 70 RR-MTB isolates.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) growth rates were monitored using the BACTECTM MGIT 960TM system.
• Safety of single-dose AgNPs was evaluated in experimental animals.

Main Results:

• AgNPs demonstrated inhibitory effects on RR-MTB starting at 2.5% concentration, with full suppression at 5% and 10%.
• A combination of rifampicin and 2.5% AgNPs enhanced the minimal inhibitory effect by 10% compared to AgNPs alone.
• Single ultra-high doses of AgNPs were found to be safe in animal studies.

Conclusions:

• Silver nanoparticles potentiate the anti-tubercular activity of rifampicin against resistant strains.
• This study provides a scientific foundation for developing nanotech-based therapies for RR-MTB.
• Further research into AgNP-drug combinations is warranted for effective tuberculosis treatment.