Desenvolvimento e caracterização de nanopartículas de Óxido de Ferro para o tratamento de leishmaniose cutânea via hipertermia por ondas curtas

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a disease that affects around 12 million people worldwide, being prevalent in 5 continents and considered endemic in 98 countries. The cutaneous form is the most common and can be caused by approximately 20 species. In Brazil, the antimony drug is used as the first choice in the treatment of leishmaniasis. After intravenous administration, it is rapidly absorbed and almost 90% of the antimony is excreted within the first 48 hours by the kidneys. As a consequence, the administration of high doses is indispensable, which generates many side effects, including cardiorespiratory and renal alterations. In this sense, the general objective of this work was the development of pure maghemite nanoparticles and coated with glucuronic and fructose acid, shortwave, aiming to generate an innovative treatment protocol, via hyperthermia for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions. In addition to the synthesis of nanoparticles, characterization tests were performed, including field emission gun microscopy (FEG); X-ray diffraction; Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); Möusbauer spectroscopy and magnetic measurements (ZFC). Short-wave parameter definition tests and in vitro cell viability assays, with and without the use of short waves, were also performed. Results: The results of the FEG revealed a well ordered structure of nanoparticles, with an average diameter of 60nm. X-ray diffraction data, together with Möusbauer, indicated the oxidation state and crystalline phase of the iron oxide compatible with a pure sample of maghemite. The FTIR measurements indicated adsorption of the binders to the nanoparticles, especially when coated with glucuronic acid. The magnetization measurements by ZFC indicated, in all samples, magnetic properties compatible with ferromagnetic regime and saturation magnetization between 56 and 59 emu /g, indicating that these materials when exposed to an alternating electromagnetic field will allow hyperthermia. Finally, the in vitro assays indicated a real leishmanicidal effect when the pure or coated nanoparticles were exposed to the alternating magnetic field of the short waves for 30 minutes, which generated hyperthermia and consequent death of the pathogen. In view of the above, it is possible to conclude that the application of the proposed leishmanicide method indicated a high potential of use for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions