A new study suggests that particles of common coal may be able to provide an effective antioxidant to help treat patients who have suffered from heart attacks, strokes and traumatic brain injuries. The results were punished in the American Chemical Society Applied Materials & Interfaces journal.
About the Study
Researchers at Rice University, UTHealth and the Texas A&M Health Science Center have teamed up and found that quantum dots in common coal can effectively mimic the body’s superoxide dismutase when they are modified with a common polymer. Quantum dots are small semiconducting materials. The superoxide dismutase is one of the body’s natural enzymes. They keep oxidative stress at bay.
The ability of the components in coal to mimic the body’s own enzymes is important because the body’s natural antioxidants can quickly become overwhelmed because of the rapid production of reactive oxygen species that speed up to heal the body after an injury. The research team has focused on finding an alternative that would not destroy healthy cells like the natural process commonly does. This focus led to the team discovering that when hydrophilic clusters are modified with polyethylene glycol, they can relieve oxidative stress. This process allows the coal to produce therapeutic materials that are easier and more affordable.
The study was conducted by extracting quantum dots from coal to evaluate the electrochemical, chemical and biological activity. The researchers modified them with the polymer and tested their capabilities on the live cells from rodents. The study revealed that doses of the mixture were highly effective in protecting cells from oxidation.
Contact a Lawyer for Assistance
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury due to medical malpractice or an accident, it is important that you are aware of the alternative treatment options available to you or your loved one. While the method discussed above may be helpful in these types of situations, the technique has not yet been approved for human use. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation so that we can determine the potential damages involved in your case and your legal options.
