Working with mice, scientists have shown that the injection of silver nanoparticles 1/50,000 the diameter of a human hair can reduce the ability of platelets to clump together by more than 40 percent, with no apparent harmful side effects. The scientists suggested that such an approach might provide a new alternative to aspirin and other anti-platelet agents widely used to prevent blood clots in coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. The authors noted that patients urgently need new anti-clotting agents because traditionally prescribed medications too often cause dangerous bleeding. At the same time, aging of the population, sedentary lifestyle, and spiraling rates of certain diseases have increased the use of these drugs. Researchers are presently seeking treatments that more gently orchestrate the activity of platelets, disk-shaped particles in the blood that can form clots. The nanoparticles "hold immense potential to be promoted as an antiplatelet agent," the researchers noted. "Nanosilver appears to possess dual significant properties critically helpful to the health of mankind—antibacterial and antiplatelet—which together can have unique utilities, for example in coronary stents." This study is scheduled for publication in the June 23 issue of the monthly journal American Chemical Society Nano. [Press release]Login Or Register To Read Full Story