The effect of UV radiation in the presence of TiO2-NPs on Leishmania major promastigotes

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects 2020-06, Vol.1864 (6), p.129558, Article 129558
• Main Authors: Dolat, Elham, Salarabadi, Samaneh Soudmand, Layegh, Pouran, Jaafari, Mahmoud Reza, Sazgarnia, Soudabeh, Sazgarnia, Ameneh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatase; Leishmania major; Rutile; Titanium dioxide; Ultra violet
• ISSN: 0304-4165; 1872-8006
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129558

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease, which is difficult to treat due to high drug resistance and adverse side effects. Photodynamic therapy by ultraviolet radiation using materials with high photocatalytic features like titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) is an emerging treatment for this disease. In this study, TiO2-NPs with ultraviolet (UV) radiation were administered as photodynamic therapy against Leishmania Major (LM) promastigotes. Methods: Two forms of TiO2 viz. including Anatase and Rutile were administered in two UV ranges< UVA and UVB for different time periods (30 and 60 min). Finally, 24 and 48 h after incubation, the MTS test was performed and cell survival percentage was calculated. Results: The mean size of Anatase and Rutile-NPs is approximately 32.5 and 50.9 nm respectively by DLS and FE-SEM, and crystal phase is emphasized by XRD. The combined treatment of LM with TiO2-NPs and UV has significant effects on LM promastigotes, which vary depending on NP and UV types. The synergistic effect was anticipated in the groups irradiated by UV-B in the presence of Rutile NPs. Conclusion: The combined treatment with UV- radiation and TiO2-NPs can be effective in killing the promastigotes of Leishmania major. The proper concentration of NPs and the type of UV-radiation must be taken into consideration. The results suggest improved treatment methods, after proper in vivo studies. [Display omitted] •Photodynamic therapy of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) with ultraviolet (UV) radiation were administered against Leishmania Major (LM) promastigotes.•TiO2 NPs decreased the viability of Leishmania promastigotes.•The reduction of viability is dependent on NPs concentration and nanocrystalline phase.•The best combinational therapy obtained in the groups receiving Rutile NPs with UV-B.•The suggested treatment with UV- radiation and TiO2 NPs can be effective in killing the promastigotes of Leishmania major.