Engineers of Massachusetts Technological University developed the system founded on nanoparticles, with the help of which it is possible to switch off and include blood clotting reversibly by the light of lasers. The principle of the system’s work is based on the release of substances in due time, either blocking or restoring the work of one of the factors of blood clotting — thrombin.
Each of the two substances was attached to cylindrical gold nanoparticles of one of two types – short and long. Radiation by the high-frequency laser led to the release of the substance linked to short nanoparticles but didn’t influence what was recorded on long and vice versa. Blocker scientists used a special aptamer – the artificial fragment of DNA selected on the force of affinity to this factor of blood clotting.
Reaching thrombin, the aptamer didn’t allow it to start the formation of blood clots. Anti-pillbox scientists used complementary DNA. Under its action, the aptamer turned into usual two-chained DNA and released thrombin. As a result, scientists developed a mechanism that may controllably increase or decrease blood rollability within the transparency of the fabric.
Besides injections of the general inhibitors of blood clotting, earlier physicians had no opportunities to supervise this process. Classical inhibitors work not locally, and are system, and, besides, can’t be at the right time switched off with the help of anti-pillboxes. According to the authors, the new system allows supervising turning in space and time.
