Formulation and optimization of long acting dual niosomes using Box-Behnken experimental design method for combinative delivery of Ethionamide and D-cycloserine in Tuberculosis treatment

The ability of niosomes to entrap both hydrophilic (D-Cycloserine) and lipophilic (Ethionamide) drugs was utilized to make an effective formulation for combating drug-resistant tuberculosis. The nanoformulation was statistically optimized using Box-Behnken experimental design and was found to be stable over a period of 6 months. The optimized formulation displayed acceptable % entrapment efficiencies ( > 70%) and optimum particle size (137.4 nm) along with sustained release up to 3 days. Mycobacterium Smegmatis was used as a model organism to assess bacterial inhibition. The dual drug loaded niosomes showed greater bacterial inhibition than the free drug combination. The blank nanocarrier failed to show any inhibition citing its biocompatible nature. The results overall suggest a potential combinatorial treatment strategy for tuberculosis treatment.