Isoniazid@Fe2O3 Nanocontainers and Their Antibacterial Effect on Tuberculosis Mycobacteria

Isoniazid-filled Fe2O3 hollow nanospheres (INH@Fe2O3, diameter < 30 nm, 48 wt% INH-load) are prepared for the first time and suggested for tuberculosis therapy. After dextran-functionalization, the INH@Fe2O3@DEX nanocontainers show strong activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.) and M.tb.-infected macrophages. The nanocontainers can be considered as "Trojan horses" and show efficient, active uptake into both M.tb.-infected macrophages and even into mycobacterial cells.