Scientists at University of British Columbia have developed an unexpected new way of treating internal bleeding using self-propelled particles that can swim against the flow of blood. While various anti-coagulants have been developed, getting them to the bleeding locations can be very difficult.
The carbonate particles, which come in the form of a powder, release carbon dioxide once placed in an aqueous solution. They also have tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic agent, attached to their surface. When injected into a blood vessel, the particles bubble the carbon dioxide gas with enough force to be able to propel through oncoming blood. The particles were tested in two animal models with considerable success, including a mimic of a gunshot wound. If confirmed in clinical studies, the technology may allow injections or even spraying of the particles over wounds, letting them naturally travel deeper inside the body where they would take effect.
Study in Science Advances: Self-propelled particles that transport cargo through flowing blood and halt hemorrhage…