Silver nanoparticles aid clotting therapy

VARANASI, India, June 1 (UPI) -- Scientists in India report the discovery of a potential alternative to aspirin and other anti-platelet agents used to prevent blood clots.

The researchers said they've found the use of silver nanoparticles might prevent blood clots in coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke patients.

The scientists said low levels of nanosilver particles injected into mice reduced the ability of platelets to clump together by as much as 40 percent with no apparent harmful side effects.

Debabrata Dash and colleagues at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, said patients urgently need new anti-thrombotic agents because traditionally prescribed medications often cause dangerous bleeding.

The nanoparticles "hold immense potential to be promoted as an antiplatelet agent," the researchers said. "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."

The scientists are to report their research in the June 23 issue of the journal Nano.