Fucoidan-Functionalized Nanoparticles for Antimycobacterial Therapy: A Promising Approach against Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases. Poly(isobutyl cyanoacrylate) (PIBCA) polymeric nanoparticles coated with fucoidan were developed as a targeted drug delivery system for rifampicin (RIF) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), including multidrug-resistant strains. The nanoparticles were prepared by anionic emulsion polymerization and characterized for size, surface charge, morphology, stability, and encapsulation efficiency. The formulation exhibited a mean diameter of 400–480 nm, a negative zeta potential (−47.9 ± 1.27 mV), spherical morphology, and colloidal stability for over 30 days, with encapsulation efficiency between 40–50%. In vitro assays demonstrated antimycobacterial activity, with MIC values of 0.412 μg/mL for drug-sensitive strains and 1.238 μg/mL for drug-resistant strains. Synergistic interactions were observed when combined with standard anti-tuberculosis drugs. The nanoparticles showed low cytotoxicity (80–96% cell viability) and concentration- and time-dependent intracellular bactericidal activity in infected macrophages. Cellular uptake studies confirmed efficient internalization, consistent with fucoidan-mediated targeting of macrophage scavenger receptors. These findings highlight fucoidan-coated PIBCA nanoparticles as a promising nanotechnological strategy to enhance rifampicin delivery and efficacy against tuberculosis, particularly in drug-resistant infections.