Nanoliposomes Study Overview

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs.

Phage therapy is a treatment approach that uses bacteriophages, viruses that infect and kill bacteria, to combat bacterial infections.

Nanoliposomes are tiny, sphere-shaped vesicles that encapsulate molecules or drugs. They act as carriers to deliver their contents to specific target cells.

The study explores using nanoliposomes to encapsulate phage D29, a type of bacteriophage targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This allows the phage to be delivered efficiently and directly to infected cells.

The researchers tested phage D29's ability to eliminate Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) from infected macrophages, a type of immune cell. Their success rate was over 90%.

Nanoencapsulation is a technique that protects sensitive compounds, like phages, from degradation. This allows them to remain active and effective for a longer period.

The design of the nanoliposomes allows them to be internalized by cells, meaning they can enter the cells and deliver the phages directly to the source of infection.

Phage therapy has gained increasing attention as a potential solution for treating resistant bacteria, especially in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.

A technique that measures the size of particles in solution using light scattering. It can be used to determine the average size and distribution of nanoliposomes.

A measure of the uniformity of particle sizes in a sample. A low PDI indicates a more homogenous size distribution, while a high PDI suggests a wider range of sizes.

A measure of the electrical charge on the surface of particles in a solution. It indicates whether nanoliposomes are likely to attract or repel each other.

A type of microscopy that uses a beam of electrons to create images of very small objects, like nanoliposomes. It can reveal the shape, size, and internal structure of these particles.

A staining technique used in TEM to increase the contrast between nanoliposomes and the surrounding environment. It helps to visualize the shape and structure of the particles more clearly.

The ability of a substance, such as a nanoliposome, to inhibit the growth of bacteria, like Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, a strain responsible for tuberculosis.

A strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is used to study the effectiveness of anti-tuberculosis drugs, like nanoliposomes. It is known as the 'reference strain' for tuberculosis research.

A strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is used to assess the latency, or persistence, of the infection. This strain carries a gene that allows researchers to monitor bacterial growth.

A method used to calculate the concentration of a substance that inhibits a biological process by 50%.

A technique used to quantify the number of cells in a sample using a specific procedure.

A type of microscopy that uses fluorescent probes to visualize specific structures or molecules within a cell.

Cell culture conditions where cells are grown in a controlled environment, such as an incubator.

A solution used to dissolve or suspend samples, often containing components for buffering and maintaining pH.

A technique used to assess the killing efficacy of antimicrobial agents over time.

A method used to study how phages interact with bacteria inside host cells, in this case, macrophages.

A type of broth used to grow bacteria, containing nutrients and other components for optimal growth.

A type of immune cell that plays a crucial role in fighting infections, particularly those caused by bacteria.

A method used for producing nanoliposomes, but is often challenged by its low encapsulation efficiency.

The ability of a substance to be compatible with biological systems and not cause harm.

A suspension where particles (like liposomes) are dispersed evenly and do not clump together. It's maintained by electrostatic repulsion between the particles.

The tendency of particles to clump together, which can happen in a colloidal suspension due to weak electrostatic repulsion or attractive forces.

The ability of a system to resist changes in composition or properties over time. In liposomes, it's often influenced by pH, zeta potential, and particle size.

A regular assessment of the properties of a system, such as liposome size, zeta potential, and stability, over time.

A numerical representation of the overall stability of nanoparticles, often based on zeta potential measurements. A higher value indicates greater stability.

A type of bacteriophage that targets Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis.

The process of encapsulating sensitive compounds, like phages, within nanoliposomes to protect them from degradation and allow for longer active life.

A study evaluating the effectiveness of nanoliposomes loaded with phage D29 against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

The use of nanoliposomes to deliver phage D29 against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, demonstrating a significant reduction in bacterial growth after 23 days.