PROJECT

Microvesicles Prepared Using Mycobacterial Membrane Lipids: A Novel Anti-Tubercular Drug Delivery System for Precision Intracellular Targeting

Sep 2026 - Aug 2029

Objectives:

i. To prepare and characterize a Mycomembrane Vesicular Drug Delivery System (MVDS) using the lipid extracts of H37Rv & to investigate the in vitro targeting properties on host internalized mycobacteria
ii. To investigate the in vivo anti-mycobacterial effects of the vesicular drug delivery system with and without select anti-TB drugs

Study Overview:

We will be developing a novel mycomembrane vesicular drug delivery system (MVDS) using the membranes of Mtb that could exhibit dual advantages for the rapid clearance of the Mtb by efficiently targeting intracellular pathogen for the drug delivery and favourably modulating the host immunometabolism.

Study Approach:

Specific lipid species will be extracted from the H37Rv, the MVDS will be prepared with and without ATT drugs and biophysically characterized. The intracellular targeting profile, the in vitro and in vivo anti mycobacterial effects will be investigated using suitable model systems.

Expected Public Health Impact:

The proposed work is aimed to develop a mycobacterial vesicular drug delivery system (MVDS) using the mycobacterial lipids with efficient targeting and drug delivery profile. The localization and delivery of drugs into the intracellular spaces wherein persistent Mtb resides during the physiological and therapeutic pressures will have implication in the optimal clearance of the Mtb and acquired drug resistance.