Nanotechnology in the Delivery of Protozoal Drugs: Enhancing Efficacy and Reducing Toxicity: A Review
Keywords:
Efficacy, Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles, Toxicity, TherapiesAbstract
Protozoan infections such as human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and malaria remain among the most pressing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), predominantly affecting developing regions. Conventional anti-protozoal therapies are limited by low efficacy, high toxicity, drug resistance, and poor accessibility. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach to overcome these challenges by enabling targeted, efficient, and safer drug delivery. Nanomaterials, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, including small size, large surface area, and modifiable surfaces, offer enhanced solubility, bioavailability, and pathogen-specific targeting while reducing systemic toxicity. Lipid-based nanocarriers, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic nanostructures have demonstrated improved therapeutic performance against a range of protozoal pathogens. Amphotericin B-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles significantly reduced parasite burdens in visceral leishmaniasis, while pentamidine-SLN formulations improved efficacy against Trypanosoma cruzi. Polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating antigens or immunostimulatory agents have also shown promise in developing nanovaccines, providing robust immune responses and long-term protection in leishmaniasis and Chagas disease models. Moreover, nanoparticle systems have enhanced the solubility and targeted delivery of poorly soluble drugs against intestinal parasites like Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia, and facilitated novel vaccine platforms against Plasmodium falciparum malaria using gold nanoparticles, virosomes, and virus-like particles (VLPs). Nanotechnology represents a powerful strategy for enhancing drug efficacy, minimising toxicity, and enabling innovative multi-drug and vaccine delivery systems. Continued interdisciplinary research and collaboration are essential to translate these advancements into effective, accessible therapies for protozoal diseases in endemic regions.
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