Study shows how nanorobots could prevent strokes
A team of scientists has developed nanorobots, capable of delivering clot-forming drugs directly to brain aneurysms. This groundbreaking technology, currently in its experimental stage, could potentially prevent strokes. The robots are each about a 20th the size of a human red blood cell, and have been tested on rabbits so far. The study was co-authored by Qi Zhou, a research associate in bioinspired engineering at the University of Edinburgh.
A safer alternative to traditional treatments
The nanorobots are being hailed as a safer and more precise alternative to traditional treatments like stents and coils, which often necessitate long-term use of blood thinners. "These remotely controlled magnetic nanobots provide a more precise and safer method for sealing cerebral aneurysms without invasive implants," said Zhou. The technology is still in its early stages but shows promise in revolutionizing the treatment of brain aneurysms.
Understanding the functioning of nanorobots
The nanorobots, measuring just 295 nanometers in diameter, are composed of a magnetic core, a clotting agent known as thrombin, as well as a coating that melts when heated. Surgeons can guide these nanobots using a magnetic field to the aneurysm site. Here, heat triggers the release of the drug, forming a clot to block further blood circulation from the aneurysm. This technique eliminates the need for deep insertion into delicate brain vessels.
Successful trials and future research plans
The nanorobots were tested on rabbits with induced aneurysms in their carotid arteries. The results showed stable clots forming to block the aneurysm completely, while rabbits remained healthy during a two-week follow-up. These clots don't obstruct blood supply to the brain but seal-off weak spots in vessels, preventing potential ruptures. Future research will focus on testing this technology on larger animals that more closely mimic human physiology, and refining magnetic control for precision in guiding nanobots to deeper brain aneurysms.
