We will clear everything from excess
A group of MediSieve engineers has developed a new technology that can purify the blood from cancer cells and infectious agents using magnets.
George Frodsham, the project manager, has been studying the ability of magnetic nanoparticles to bind to cells for a long time so that they can be detected during imaging studies. It was then that he realized that if nanoparticles could be designed in such a way that they attracted cells and were visible during scanning, then there was a chance to use the same technology to remove them from the blood. The company's initial targets include sepsis, leukemia and malaria.
Theoretically, almost anything is possible
Theoretically, any bacteria, viruses or cancer cells in the blood can be bound by magnetic nanoparticles and removed from the body. This is a very powerful tool, as the authors write, it's just a matter of determining some details.
The technology is called MediSieve, and it is awaiting approval for clinical trials on volunteers, which will probably begin as early as next year.
The first disease to be tested is malaria. Then, studies will be conducted to determine the ability of nanoparticles to remove sepsis-causing bacteria and reduce the deadly immune response.
How does the technology work?
The technology works on the principle of dialysis. The blood is taken from the patient and MediSieve particles are injected into it, which attach to target cells so that they can be captured by a magnetic filter and removed from the blood before it enters the body again. The particle size, magnetic properties and the number of binding agents covering the nanoparticles are designed and calculated to ensure maximum capture and removal by the filter. The whole process will probably take only two to four hours.
Blood can re-pass through the system until the target cells reach such a low concentration that the immune system or a short course of treatment can remove them.
Features of magnetic filtration in malaria
Interestingly, in the case of malaria, there is no need for the introduction of magnetic nanoparticles, since malarial plasmodium is automatically magnetized when it enters the body when it absorbs iron-rich hemoglobin. Due to this circumstance, the treatment of malaria is the main goal of researchers, especially to help sick children and pregnant women.
Frodsham writes that the possibility of rapid removal of infected red blood cells from the blood of a patient with malaria will significantly increase the chances of survival, and the sooner the complete elimination of infected cells is achieved, the better the prognosis for the patient.
Charities appreciated the technology
Charitable organizations reacted positively to the new technology, noting the urgent need for new approaches for the treatment of leukemia, they are looking forward to the results of clinical trials.
But, unfortunately, with the treatment of leukemia, an easy victory should not be expected, since not all cancer cells circulate in the blood, some remain in the bone marrow or lymph nodes. The only way to cure leukemia is to completely eliminate these cells, otherwise the cancer will return.
However, removing cancer cells from the blood, rather than killing them with drugs, can reduce the need for drugs with toxic side effects.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the MediSieve website.