A recent collaborative study between the University of California and Case Western Reserve University has taken a significant step towards developing new therapeutic options for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and hemorrhages. These conditions often result when combat incidents or civilian catastrophes, such as car accidents or natural disasters, present a constellation of challenges that can include bleeding complications. Such situations can lead to tissue and organ damage or other health issues, emphasizing the vitally to quickly manage such bleeding.
The go-to treatment for managing TBIs and associated hemorrhagic complications is typically a blood transfusion. However, blood products and platelets have limited shelf lives and are dependent on the availability of donors and proper storage conditions. To potentially circumvent these constraints, researchers are now developing “synthetic platelets” made from liposome nanoparticles. This innovation aims to effectively mimic and replace the clot-forming function of natural platelets.
The creation of these synthetic platelets was guided by the multifunctional nature of natural platelets, as stated by Anirban Sen Gupta, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Case School of Engineering and Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. In a statement obtained by UC News, Sen Gupta highlighted, "We have been interested in mimicking the various mechanisms that platelets use to form and stabilize blood clots, especially in the context of driving necessary clot formation to stop bleeding."
The researchers structured the synthetic platelets using building blocks of unique molecules to individually accomplish the same tasks as their biological counterparts. This biomimicry is critical for advancing medical response capabilities not just in daily emergency room situations, but also large-scale crises that may impact national security, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters. With the continued success of Sen Gupta's team, new treatments could eventually provide a more accessible and longer-lasting alternative to blood transfusions, greatly benefiting both civilian and military healthcare systems.
