Biodegradable nanospheres offer novel approach for treatment of toxin exposure and drug delivery

Intravenously injected into victims of radiological, chemical or biological attack, biodegradable nanospheres circulate through the bloodstream, where surface proteins bind to the targeted toxins. They are removed from the bloodstream by a small dual-channel shunt, inserted into an arm or leg artery, that circulates the blood through an external magnetic separator. Strong magnets in the shunt immobilize the iron-based particles, and clean blood flows back into the bloodstream. Image courtesy of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute.