2023-05-15 16:30:43
Two-component system designed for wound-directed cross-linking. a) One-component system with nanoparticles that bind to activated platelets and b) Two-component system with nanoparticles functionalized with cross-linking groups and functionalized for wound-directed biorthogonal cross-linking.
Blood has the ability to clot to prevent blood loss in the event of injuries, regardless of their location or size. Small blood clots are an important defense mechanism in the body. However, coagulation is not instantaneous, and in cases of massive blood loss, this process may be insufficient and cause serious consequences.
synthetic blood system
To address this problem, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a synthetic blood system consisting of two components that act selectively on internal injuries without causing harm.
These components resemble platelets (cell fragments that trigger clotting) and fibrinogen (a protein that helps clots form) in the body, responsible for clotting.
Al increase concentration in the wound, these components solidify selectively, mimicking the final effect of the natural coagulation cascade. MIT chemical engineer Bradley Olsen explains that this approach allows for selective gelling of the hemostatic system.
The process
Although only tested in mice, the researchers say this approach has been successful in triggering blood clotting and has been shown to be significantly better at stopping bleeding than previous approaches.
The first part of the system is a biocompatible polymer nanoparticle called PEG-PLGA, designed to bind to whatever platelets the body can provide while injured. The platelets travel to the site of injury taking the nanoparticles with them.
The second part of the system is a polymer that takes the place of the fibrinogen and begins to create lumps through a reaction with the nanoparticles. The team describe it as a crosslinker, which essentially causes particles that have formed around a wound to stick together.
efficient and harmless
Initial testing with mice showed that the synthetic system was highly effective and lasted longer than normal blood clots. According to the co-author of the study, Celestine Hong“the idea is that with both components circulating within the bloodstream if there is a wound, the target component will begin to accumulate at that site and it will also bind to the crosslinker.”
In addition, the pattern of the particles prevents them from accumulating in places where they shouldn’twhich prevents the concentration of clots from exceeding the limits and triggering some unwanted reaction of the immune system of the mice or other problems.
The next step is to continue using model mice, but in a larger experiment. With further testing, the researchers believe the system might even help medical professionals identify where internal bleeding is occurring much faster and without expensive or complex equipment.
the chemical engineer Paula Hammond states that “what was especially remarkable regarding these results was the level of recovery from serious injuries that we saw in animal studies. By introducing two complementary systems in sequence, it’s possible to get a much stronger clot.”
The research was published in Advanced Healthcare Materials.
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