Most people are aware of the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells and their place in the circulatory system. The physical characteristics of red blood cells allow them to squeeze through the small capillaries in our bodies. However, the development of similar synthetic cells have not been successful till the University of California along with researchers in the University of Michigan created spherical particles made out of a polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), “a compound known for its biocompatible and biodegradable properties.”
When exposed to rubbing alcohol, the spherical particles of PLGA were able to be dissolved and form the double concaved shape of a RBC (red blood cell). Then, the hard PLGA becomes the mold in which researchers add layers of proteins on, cross linking them to make them hold the PLGA. (These proteins are like the thousand different polymers that people have for delivery naturally, hemoglobin for example is the oxygen caring polymer found in RBC.) Afterwards, the “rigid inner structure” is dissolved and what is left is a flexible shell capable of going through capillaries.
The most difficult test is whether these artificial RBC will be able to stay in circulation. In the past, “even synthetic cells one-eighth of the size of regular blood cells were purged from the blood within 30 seconds.” The longest lasting nanoparticle only lasted 24 hours. This will be a crucial aspect, especially to ensure that no immune attack is produced through these synthetic cells.
Synthetic RBCs are still in its early stages but promise success. These synthetic RBC can be used as therapeutic and imaging agents. It has even produced the ideas for perhaps mimicking the delivery systems of viruses and bacteria as well. Perhaps one day it will lead to synthetic blood. Unfortunately for animal lovers, the next step for these cells seems to be animal testing.
Cites:
No comments:
Post a Comment