Nanotechnology approaches for delivery and targeting of Amphotericin B in fungal and parasitic diseases

Amphotericin B (AMB), with widespread antifungal and anti-parasitic activities and low cross-resistance with other drugs, has long been identified as a potent antimicrobial drug. However, its clinical toxicities, especially nephrotoxicity, have limited its use in clinical practice. Lately, nano-based systems have been the subject of serious research and becoming an effective strategy to improve toxicity and antimicrobial potency. Commercial AMB lipid formulations have been developed in order to improve the therapeutic index and nephrotoxicity, while limited use is mainly due to their high cost. The review aimed to highlight the updated information on nanotechnology-based approaches to the development of AMB delivery and targeting systems for treatment of fungal diseases and leishmaniasis, regarding therapeutic challenges and achievements of various delivery systems.