Treating Blood Infections with Tiny Magnets

Scientists based in Zürich, Switzerland, announce the development of a new type of magnetic nanoparticle, which is more than capable of attaching itself to harmful molecules in the blood. Through this approach, it may become possible to purge the blood of all contaminants.

These nanoscale magnets (nanomagnets) would be used for a variety of applications, such as for example treating blood infections, drug intoxications and even cancers such as leukemia. However, it will take several years until the approach reaches the market.

When they are first produced, the nanoparticles themselves are not magnetized. They are coated with various compounds, and contain large amounts of antibodies. These chemicals will be targeted specifically at whichever disease doctors are trying to address.

The antibodies needed to eliminate excess drugs from the body are not the same as those needed to fight against leukemia. It's only after the particles are loaded with everything they need that they are coerced into becoming nanomagnets.

This makes them more likely to affix themselves to their intended destination. Furthermore, these nanomagnets make it easier for doctors to clean the blood of unwanted elements, by simply passing it through a dialysis machine.

“The nanomagnets capture the target substances, and right before the nanoparticles would be recirculated, the magnetic separator accumulates the toxin-loaded nanomagnets in a reservoir and keeps them separated from the recirculating blood,” researcher Inge Herrmann explains.

The investigator holds an appointment as a chemical engineer at the University of Zürich, and is also the leader of the new investigation, Technology Review reports. She presented her work this December, at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

At this point, researchers do need to demonstrate that these nanomagnets are not harmful to the human body. This is a very important objective, if the technique is to be used in real-life any time soon. Experts say that it indeed holds great promise for addressing a wide array of conditions.

Most likely, scientists will first conduct animal studies. If those are successful, they will attempt to get approval for phase I human clinical trials, which will take several years to complete. If the nanomagnets make their way on the market within a decade, then it means that team moved fast.