Uso da nanotecnologia no tratamento da malária

Abstract

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the protozoa of the Plasmodium genus, it is transmitted to humans through the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes female. Faced with difficulties such as increased resistance to available drugs, toxicity and the need for high doses of drugs, nanotechnology is an alternative to optimize treatment in the different stages of the parasite's life. Nanoparticles make it possible for antimalarials to be taken exclusively to cells infected with Plasmodium and eliminate them with a single dose, reducing side effects. They can be used in two ways: by passive and active targeting; the first term refers to the use of conventional nanocarriers, such as liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles. Active segmentation refers to the use of nanocarriers modified on the surface with ligands such as carbohydrates, proteins, peptides or antibodies. Thus, this work aims to carry out a review of the drugs currently used for the treatment of malaria and to highlight the applications of nanotechnology in therapy and prevention of malaria. We can concluded that, CÃO although malaria still presents challenges, advances in the development and implementation of nanotechnology are a promising tool for the diagnosis, development of vaccines, in devices for rapid tests and in the treatment of the disease.