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Goethite and Hematite Nanoparticles Show Promising Anti-Toxoplasma Properties
Kosei Ishii1, Eiji Akahoshi2, Oluyomi Stephen Adeyemi1,3
1Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki 989-6711, Miyagi, Japan.
Pharmaceutics
|March 28, 2024
Summary
Iron oxide nanoparticles modified with l-tryptophan show potent anti-Toxoplasma activity. This bio-modification enhances selective toxicity against the parasite without harming host cells, offering a promising new treatment approach.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Nanotechnology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite infecting mammals and birds.
- Current treatments for toxoplasmosis lack effective vaccines and rely on antiparasitic drugs with significant side effects.
- Metal nanoparticles offer unique properties for medicinal applications, with previous studies showing anti-Toxoplasma effects of gold, silver, and platinum nanoparticles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-Toxoplasma efficacy of less expensive iron oxide nanoparticles (goethite and hematite).
- To enhance the selective toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles against T. gondii through surface modification with l-tryptophan.
- To assess the cytotoxicity and underlying mechanisms of action of the bio-modified nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm l-tryptophan coating on iron oxide nanoparticles.
- Cytotoxicity assays to evaluate host cell toxicity.
- Growth inhibition assays to determine anti-Toxoplasma activity.
- Inclusion of Trolox antioxidant to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species.
Main Results:
- Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed successful l-tryptophan coating on iron oxide nanoparticles.
- L-tryptophan-modified iron oxide nanoparticles exhibited superior anti-Toxoplasma activity compared to unmodified nanoparticles.
- Bio-modified nanoparticles demonstrated selective toxicity, with no detectable host cell toxicity at effective anti-Toxoplasma doses.
- Trolox significantly reduced nanoparticle-induced growth inhibition, indicating the involvement of reactive oxygen species.
Conclusions:
- L-tryptophan-modified iron oxide nanoparticles are effective against T. gondii.
- Bio-modification enhances the selective toxicity of nanoparticles toward T. gondii.
- These findings suggest a promising new therapeutic strategy for toxoplasmosis using bio-modified metal nanoparticles.
