The deadly malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, contains tiny compartments filled with iron crystals that exhibit a unique spinning motion. For decades, this behavior remained a mystery, but recent research has unveiled the mechanism behind it.
A team led by Paul Sigala, an associate professor at the University of Utah, has determined that the crystals are propelled by the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, a reaction similar to that used in rocket propulsion. This discovery could open doors for new malaria treatments and advancements in nanotechnology.
The iron crystals, composed of a compound known as heme, were found to spin rapidly within the parasite. The researchers discovered that hydrogen peroxide, which accumulates in the parasite”s compartment, decomposes into water and oxygen, releasing energy that initiates the motion of the crystals. This process is comparable to the fuel used in aerospace engineering to launch rockets.
“This hydrogen peroxide decomposition has been used to power large-scale rockets,” said Erica Hastings, a postdoctoral fellow in biochemistry at the University. “However, it has never been observed in biological systems before.” The presence of hydrogen peroxide, often produced as a waste product by the parasites, led scientists to explore its potential as a driving force behind the crystals” movement.
Moreover, the research indicated that the crystals could spin even in isolation, away from the parasite, when exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Interestingly, when the team cultivated malaria parasites in low-oxygen conditions, the crystals” spinning speed decreased significantly, highlighting the link between oxygen levels and peroxide production.
The researchers believe that the dynamic motion of these crystals may be essential for the survival of the malaria parasite. The spinning might help the parasite detoxify harmful levels of peroxide, potentially preventing cellular damage. Furthermore, the constant motion could prevent the crystals from aggregating, allowing the parasite to efficiently store additional heme, which is crucial for its growth.
These findings represent the first known instance of self-propelled metallic nanoparticles in biological systems. The implications of this research could extend beyond malaria, inspiring the design of advanced microscopic robots for industrial and medical applications.
“Nano-engineered self-propelling particles can serve various purposes, including drug delivery,” Sigala noted, indicating that the research could lead to innovative strategies for combating malaria. The unique mechanism of the spinning crystals also presents a promising target for developing new antimalarial drugs, as targeting such specific processes in the parasite could minimize side effects on human cells.
The study is published in the journal PNAS and is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations. This research sheds light on an enigmatic aspect of parasitology and offers a pathway toward new medical advancements.
