FROM BENZNIDAZOL TO NEW DRUGS: NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CHAGAS DISEASE TREATMENT
drug delivery systems, Trypanosoma cruzi, Nanotechnology, target drugs
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The only drugs available to treat this disease are benznidazole and nifurtimox, which have several adverse effects and do not allow a cure, especially in the chronic phase of the disease. Therefore, new molecules have been tested with promising results aiming strategic action targets against T.cruzi, mainly in in vitro studies. Seeking to improve bioavailability, stability, reduced toxicity, and increased efficacy in in vivo studies, new drug delivery systems, such as nanotechnology systems, have been developed. In addition, nanosystems are able to interact with the immune system of the vertebrate host, modulating the immune response to favor the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. In this review, we provide an overview of nanotechnology-based delivery strategies and systems for antichagasic agents, such as liposomes, micelles, nanoemulsions, polymeric and non-polymeric nanoparticles, exploring the advantages and limitations of using these nanocarriers, as well as new perspectives in the treatment of the disease.