Summary:
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking technique to detect small blood clots that are early signs of many diseases and often worsen clinical symptoms. These tiny clots, associated with immunothrombosis driven by inflammation, can lead to severe complications in conditions like COVID-19, sepsis, heart disease, and diabetes. The new method involves analyzing exhaled air to track the formation of these clots.
Thrombin, a key enzyme in blood clot formation, is the focus of this innovation. The researchers designed nanoprobes sensitive to thrombin, which release gas-like volatile molecules when in contact with the enzyme. These gas molecules can be detected in exhaled breath using gas-chromatography mass-spectral analysis. Additionally, fluorescent nanoprobes were used for visualization in lab experiments.
In mouse models, the nanoprobes successfully measured thrombin activity and detected changes in exhaled gas levels during immunothrombosis induction and resolution. This non-invasive breath analysis technique has the potential to revolutionize early diagnosis not only for immunothrombosis-related conditions but also for others like cancer, neurodegeneration, and lung fibrosis. It offers a cost-effective and easily repeatable means of monitoring enzymatic activity profiles in the body, leading to timely and effective treatments.
Article written by Sukanya Charuchandra
25/09/2023
Source:
Advanced Science News
https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/a-breakthrough-breath-analyzer-detects-silent-blood-clots/