Clinically Relevant Metallic Nanoparticles in Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Therapy

Globally we are faced with a significant burden of tuberculosis (TB), which is difficult to eradicate due to patients' non-adherance, and drug-resistant strains that are spreading at an alarming rate. Novel approaches are required to improve diagnosis and treatment. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have demonstrated potential as sensor probes and in combination therapy, which combines MNPs with antimycobacterial drugs to develop new treatment and theranostic approaches. To strengthen the theoretical foundation towards the clinical application of TB nanomedicine, this review focuses on the properties and effectiveness of therapeutically relevant MNPs. We also elaborate on their antimycobacterial mechanisms. This review aims to analyze the body of literature on the topic, pinpoint important empirical findings, and identify knowledge gaps that could provide a basis for future research endeavors and translation of the technologies. Current data suggest that MNPs are potential systems for efficient diagnosis and treatment although additional pre-clinical and clinical research is needed to bring these technologies to the clinic.