Artificial nanoparticles are influencing modern life rapidly. With the help of a separated mammal heart known as the Langendorff heart dipped in a nutrient liquid instead of blood, scientists from the Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen and the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) have discovered that selective artificial nanoparticles can create an impact on heart rhythm and rate.
According to Nießner and Stampfl, the neurotransmitter known as noradrenaline is the agent responsible for increasing increased heart rate initiated by nanoparticles. The nerve endings present in the inner heart wall releases Noradrenaline. Stampfl and his colleagues made use of this heart model to test spark-generated carbon as well as titanium dioxide and carbon black nanoparticles, which act as a model for pollutants found in air that are created from combustion of fuel such as diesel. Polystyrene, silicon dioxide, and different aerosil silicas that are utilized as thickening agents in the production of cosmetics, were also tested. Silicon dioxide, carbon black, titanium dioxide, and spark-generated carbon increased the heart rate by up to 15% and altered the ECG values without returning to normal value, even after nanoparticle exposure was completed. The polystyrene and Aerosil silicas did not affect the functioning of the heart.
This heart model developed by the research team may be helpful in medical research, where artificial nanoparticles are considered as transportation vehicles. The large surfaces of the nanoparticles offer perfect docking basement for active agents. The active agents are then carried by these nanoparticles to their respective places in the human body, for example nanoparticles transporting drug to a tumor. Most of the prototypes of such nano-containers are silicate or carbon based. Until now, the effect created on the human body by these substances is mostly unknown. Thus, this novel heart model can act as a test organ to identify those particles that do not have a negative effect on the heart.
Source: http://www.helmholtz-muenchen.de/