A precious \u201ctreasure\u201d lies hidden in the heart of the Evros Prefecture \u2013 a \u201ctreasure\u201d not only in terms of economic value, but also in terms of health applications \u2013 Petrota in Northern Evros and Kirk\u00ed in Alexandroupoli are waiting to be put to use.<\/p>\n
We have repeatedly referred to the Evros Prefecture \u2013 a region blessed by nature (yet remote and neglected by the State) \u2013 which harbours an \u2018inexhaustible treasure\u2019 within its depths.\u00a0Among the valuable minerals whose existence has been confirmed is zeolite. A mineral which, beyond its economic value, has countless applications, ranging from agriculture and industry to healthcare.\u00a0Today, a new application relating to haemodialysis should be added to its list of valuable properties.<\/p>\n
Read the latest:<\/p>\n
Scientists in Japan have discovered a simple way to treat kidney failure; using nanotechnology, they have succeeded in removing toxins from a blood sample. The breakthrough was achieved by researchers at the Japanese International Centre for Nanoarchitectured Materials and the National Institute for Materials Science in the city of I<\/p>\n
The scientists developed a nanofibre mesh using two components: a primary polymeric matrix that is compatible with blood, and various forms of zeolites (clay-silicate materials found in nature). As the scientists explain, zeolites have a porous structure capable of absorbing toxins, just as creatinine is absorbed from the blood.<\/p>\n
The mesh was developed using a cost-effective electrostatic method, in which an electric charge was used to extract fibres from a liquid. The scientists found that the ratio of silicon to clay within the zeolites plays a decisive role in the adsorption of creatinine, and that a specific form of zeolite exhibits the greatest capacity for toxin adsorption, whilst also offering the properties required in a final haemodialysis product.<\/p>\n
According to the scientific report, this mesh can be incorporated into a haemodialysis product that would be small enough for the patient to wear on their arm. Indeed, according to the scientists, such a solution would also have economic benefits, as it would reduce both the cost of treatment and the time required to administer it.<\/p>\n
As Mitsuhiro Ebara, head of the research team, noted, although this treatment is still at an early stage and is not yet ready for use in humans, there are already clear indications that the nanofibre mesh will soon provide a viable, easy and affordable alternative for patients suffering from kidney failure who are forced to undergo haemodialysis on an almost daily basis.<\/p>\n