Scientists Develop Nanorobots for Precise Brain Aneurysm Treatment
Researchers from the UK and China have engineered nanoscale robots, small enough to target brain aneurysms, potentially preventing strokes. These nanorobots, less than most bacteria in size, offer a safer, more precise alternative to conventional treatments and have been tested in both lab settings and animals. This is prepared by SSP.
These magnetic nanorobots, containing a blood-clotting agent called thrombin encased in a meltdable coating, are controlled and guided to the aneurysm using external magnetic fields. Upon reaching the target site, focused heat melts their coating, releasing thrombin to form a stable clot, thereby blocking the aneurysm and preventing dangerous bleeds.
Traditional methods, involving stents and coils to stabilize aneurysms, come with risks such as incomplete repair, bleeding recurrence, and the need for long-term blood thinners. Nanorobots could mitigate these issues by reducing the intricate task of threading microcatheters through the brain’s vessels.
Initial tests conducted on rabbits showed promising results. Nanorobots successfully sealed artificially induced aneurysms without adverse side effects, maintaining stable clots during a two-week monitoring period.
Published in the journal *Small*, the study highlights the potential of these nanorobots to revolutionize aneurysm treatment by decreasing risks and improving precision. Future studies will focus on larger animals and long-term safety and efficacy before proceeding to human trials.
Larger aneurysms historically difficult to treat with stents or coils could benefit significantly from this technology. As noted by Dr. Qi Zhou of Edinburgh University's School of Engineering, this groundbreaking approach may soon redefine surgical repairs and drug delivery, heralding new frontiers in medical science.
Ultimately, this innovative approach offers hope for a safer, more efficient treatment of brain aneurysms, advancing toward clinical applications that could save numerous lives.
