Self-assembled nanoparticles as multifunctional drugs for anti-microbial therapies

Chem Commun (Camb). 2014 Jul 21;50(57):7649-51. doi: 10.1039/c4cc00349g.

Abstract

A self-assembled nanoparticle containing a photosensitizer and a Trojan-horse moiety (cholesterol), binds an anti-TB pro-drug and increases 1000-fold its activity against mycobacteria. These minimalist constructs will allow development of economically viable, efficient drug preparations for the treatment of drug-resistant TB infections.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Antitubercular Agents / chemistry*
  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Mycobacterium fortuitum / drug effects*
  • Mycobacterium fortuitum / physiology
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology
  • Prodrugs / chemistry*
  • Prodrugs / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Prodrugs