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Biomedical engineers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-BHU), Uttar Pradesh, have announced a significant breakthrough in the fight against blood clots. The research team, led by Sudip Mukherjee from the School of Biomedical Engineering, has developed innovative, low-cost nanoparticles designed to prevent blood clotting, offering new hope for safer blood storage and treatment of thrombotic disorders.
How the Nanoparticles Work
The team focused on potassium ferric oxalate nanoparticles (KFeOx-NPs), leveraging potassium’s known benefits for cardiovascular health. These nanoparticles demonstrated the ability to keep human blood in a liquid state for up to 48 hours, a development with major implications for blood storage, diagnostics, and transfusions.
In laboratory tests using mouse models, the nanoparticles effectively prevented the formation of clots in blood vessels and were able to halt existing thrombosis. The mechanism involves the nanoparticles binding to calcium ions in the blood, thereby blocking the formation of fibrin—the protein central to the clotting process. “Intravenously injected KFeOx-NPs increased clotting time and thrombosis prevention in a mouse model, confirmed by ultrasound and the power Doppler images,” the research team reported.
Applications in Medical Devices
Beyond direct medical use, the IIT-BHU team also explored coating medical devices such as catheters with these nanoparticles. The results showed that KFeOx-NP coatings prevented clot formation and reduced protein attachment, which could lead to more efficient devices with a lower risk of clot-related complications.
The nanoparticles are water-soluble and do not accumulate in fat tissues, which enhances their safety profile for biological applications.
Potential Impact
This dual capability—preventing blood clots and improving the safety and efficiency of medical devices—positions the IIT-BHU innovation as a promising advancement in biomedical engineering and healthcare.
“Coating catheters with KFeOx-NPs prevents clot formation with reduced protein attachment when incubated with blood, enhancing blood flow properties,” the researchers noted.
Disclaimer
The findings described are based on preclinical studies, primarily involving animal models. Further research, including human clinical trials, is necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of these nanoparticles for medical use. The information provided here is for news and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
