New nanoparticle-based stroke treatment method shows promise

US scientists have demonstrated the potential of a new nanotechnology-based treatment for strokes caused by blood clots, which could offer numerous benefits over current techniques.

The study, reported in Advanced Functional Materials, described how using iron oxide nanoparticles coated in albumin – a protein found naturally in blood – can be an effective way of delivering the clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator directly to affected areas.

An albumin coating provides the loaded nanoparticles with protection from the immune system until they can be guided to the blood clot target via magnetism. This makes it possible to destroy blood clots 100 to 1,000 times faster than current methods.

This technique has shown efficacy in mouse test subjects and will soon be trialled in other animal models, with the ultimate aim of progressing to human trials.

Dr Paolo Decuzzi, the study's co-principal investigator, said: "We think it is possible to use a static magnetic field first to help guide the nanoparticles to the clot, then alternate the orientation of the field to increase the nanoparticles' efficiency in dissolving clots."

Every year, around 110,000 people have a stroke in England, making it the third largest cause of death in the country after heart disease and cancer.