Nanorobots Trialed to Slow Stroke Risk by Targeting Brain Aneurysms
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have pioneered nanorobots designed to deliver medication directly to brain aneurysms, aiming to reduce stroke risk. The findings were shared in a science publication focused on initial, preclinical work.
In the study, experiments were conducted using rabbits in which carotid artery aneurysms were surgically created to mimic human vascular weakness. An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in a blood vessel that forms when the arterial wall thins and weakens. Such expansions can predispose individuals to rupture and potentially lead to a stroke, making early, localized treatment highly desirable.
The nanorobots developed for this purpose measure 295 nanometers in diameter. By comparison, a typical virus is about 100 nanometers wide, while most bacteria span roughly a thousand nanometers. Each nanorobot features a magnetic core, a thrombin payload used to treat aneurysms, and a protective shell that dissolves when gently heated to release the drug.
When guided to the aneurysm, the nanorobots release their contents to soften the membranes and form a protective barrier. The approach minimizes tissue exposure to heat, with controlled temperatures kept below 50 degrees Celsius to prevent collateral damage to surrounding tissues.
The researchers introduced the nanorobots into the animals’ bloodstream at sites slightly upstream of the aneurysm. The nanorobots interact with the vessel wall to create a stable clot over the damaged area, helping to seal the rupture site and reduce the likelihood of a stroke without hindering normal blood flow.
After the procedure, the rabbits were monitored for two weeks, with observation indicating no adverse health effects. The team notes that this approach could potentially translate to human therapy, but emphasizes the need for further testing in models with physiology closer to humans before any clinical trials begin.
Experts caution that while the results are promising, additional research is required to assess long-term safety, dosage optimization, and device tolerability in people. The work reflects a growing interest in leveraging nanoscale devices to deliver targeted treatments for vascular disorders, marking a step toward minimally invasive interventions for aneurysm management. (Source: University of Edinburgh, 2024–2025 updates for preclinical vascular research.)