A novel human detoxification system based on nanoscale bioengineering and magnetic separation techniques

Med Hypotheses. 2007;68(5):1071-9. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2005.04.047. Epub 2006 Nov 22.

Abstract

We describe the conceptual approach, theoretical background and preliminary experimental data of a proposed platform technology for specific and rapid decorporation of blood-borne toxins from humans. The technology is designed for future emergent in-field or in-hospital detoxification of large numbers of biohazard-exposed victims; for example, after radiological attacks. The proposed systems is based on nanoscale technology employing biocompatible, superparamagnetic nanospheres, which are functionalized with target-specific antitoxin receptors, and freely circulate within the human blood stream after simple intravenous injection. Sequestration of the blood-borne toxins onto the nanosphere receptors generates circulating nanosphere-toxin complexes within a short time interval; mathematical modeling indicates prevailing of unbound nanosphere receptors over target toxin concentrations at most therapeutic injection dosages. After a toxin-specific time interval nanosphere-toxin complexes are generated within the blood stream and, after simple arterial or venous access, the blood is subsequently circulated via a small catheter through a portable high gradient magnetic separator device. In this device, the magnetic toxin complexes are retained by a high gradient magnetic field and the detoxified blood is then returned back to the blood circulation (extracorporeal circulation). Our preliminary in vitro experiments demonstrate >95% first pass capture efficiency of magnetic spheres within a prototype high gradient magnetic separation device. Further, based on the synthesis of novel hydrophobic magnetite nanophases with high magnetization ( approximately 55 emu/g), the first biodegradable magnetic nanospheres at a size range of approximately 280 nm and functionalized with PEG-maleimide surface groups for specific antibody attachment are described here. In future applications, we envision this technology to be suitable for emergent, in-field usage for acutely biohazard exposed victims as both the injectable toxin-binding magnetic spheres and the separator device are made to be portable, light-weight, zero-power, and self- or helper-employed. Details of the technology are presented and the state-of-knowledge and research is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering / methods*
  • Biotinylation
  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Filtration
  • Humans
  • Immunomagnetic Separation / instrumentation*
  • Immunomagnetic Separation / methods
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry
  • Magnetics*
  • Microspheres
  • Models, Biological*
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Nanotubes / chemistry
  • Nanotubes / toxicity*
  • Particle Size
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Polyglycolic Acid / chemistry
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Polymers
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Polyethylene Glycols