Carbon nanomaterials: a new way against tuberculosis.

Abstract

: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most alarming worldwide infectious disease primarily in low-income countries, where the infection shows a higher and unvaried prevalence. In the last years, the emergence and spread of () strains resistant to first-line anti-TB drugs are the cause of major concern and prompted the implementation of new treatments, including the development of new drugs and the repurposing of old ones. : In this review, we discuss solutions against TB based on nanomaterials (NMTs), alone or combined with current anti-TB drugs. We will summarize drug delivery platforms tested in or models and their activity against mycobacteria. We will describe how the new nanotechnologies based on carbon nanomaterials, like carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide are now facing the panorama of the medical fight against TB. : We foresee that in the next decade carbon nanomaterials will be at the forefront in fighting emerging antibiotic resistant strains by shortening treatment periods, reducing adverse effects and mitigating antibiotic use. However, toxicity and biodegradation studies should be done prior to the clinical translation of carbon nanomaterials.