Discussion

The use of magnetic nanoparticles to produce heat (magnetic hyperthermia) has gained interest as a novel therapeutic. The increased sensitivity of cancerous cells to heat shock has meant magnetic hyperthermia has gained considerable interest as a potential alternative therapy. In the current study, we are analysing the potential of magnetic hyperthermia to be applied to the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis as an inducible, controlled and localised form of thermotherapy. We have confirmed there are differences in temperature sensitivity between L. mexicana axenic amastigotes and the human monocytic cell line THP-1. A stable ferrofluid has been produced by coating maghemite nanoparticles with citric acid. These nanoparticles are readily taken up by differentiated THP-1 cells, and an increase in temperature of up to 10°C can be achieved upon application of an alternating magnetic field. We are now investigating the effects of magnetic hyperthermia on L. mexicana amastigotes, both axenically and inside macrophages.