A magnetic nanoparticle-assisted disinfection method for umbilical cord blood

Abstract

The invention relates to a disinfection method which uses magnetic nanoparticles and a varying magnetic pole structure to prevent microbiological contamination in umbilical cord blood. Said method does not harm the stem cell functions in the umbilical cord blood.

Description

[0001] A MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE-ASSISTED DISINFECTION METHOD FOR UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a disinfection method which uses magnetic nanoparticles and a varying magnetic pole structure to prevent microbiological contamination in umbilical cord blood. Said method does not harm the stem cell functions in the umbilical cord blood.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] Stem cells, which are important in clinical applications, are not yet differentiated, may divide for a long time, have the ability to renew themselves, are the source of differentiated and specialized cells in various cells and tissues, and have the ability to repair the damaged areas, are a promising cell source in the development of new diagnosis and treatment methods [1]. Organs such as the brain, heart and liver, which perform important tasks in living beings, cannot be renewed naturally when they are severely damaged. As the stem cells have the ability to divide and differentiate, they are used in the regeneration of organs and tissues damaged as a result of a disease or injury. Today, stem cells may be used in the treatment of many diseases which have no solution. In this respect, stem cell technology is promising for the treatment of many diseases such as diseases which develop when a cell dies or do not function any more (Diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, etc.), repair of burned body tissues, organ transplants, diseases related to the immune system, some types of cancer, and regeneration of heart muscles [2],

[0006] Stem cells are available in several different types with different potentials and characteristics, including embryonic, adult, induced pluripotent and perinatal stem cells. Cord blood is a third option after bone marrow and peripheral blood as a source of hematopoietic stem cells, which are included in the class of adult stem cells. Cord blood is defined as blood present in the umbilical cord, which provides the connection between the mother and the fetus during pregnancy and meets the baby's nutrition and oxygen needs. In addition to blood cells such as erythrocytes, lymphocytes, leukocytes and platelets, the cord blood comprises high density stem cells [3]. Apart from the embryonic and adult stem cell groups, cord blood cells are included in the group of fetal stem cells. Compared to tissues such as bone marrow and peripheral blood, cord blood comprises longer telomeres and stem cell with higher proliferation capacity [4],

[0007] Umbilical cord blood, which is usually discarded after birth, is a very rich source of stem cells and its collection process does not cause any harm to the mother and baby. However, the process of collecting, processing and storing umbilical cord blood is of great importance both in terms of maintaining the quality of stem cells and minimizing the risk of infection. In the collection and processing processes of the umbilical cord blood, chemical cleaning methods are generally used to prevent contamination and ensure the hygiene of the environment, rather than sterilizing the equipment used, cleaning the laboratory environment, and cleaning the blood itself. However, chemical disinfectants may leave residues on surfaces or equipment, and these residues are present on the umbilical cord blood, affecting the quality of potential stem cells. In addition, the contact of the chemical disinfectants with the umbilical cord blood may cause some chemical reactions, which affects the viability and functions of the cells. Physical filtration, another method used during the collection and processing of the umbilical cord blood, is a technique used to separate the unwanted particles, cells or other contaminants in the blood. To this end, physical barriers (filters) are used to separate the different components in the cord blood. However, during said process, some stem cells and other cells may be lost through the filters, so said filtering process affects the number and thus, the potential of stem cells. In addition, this process may cause physical damage to the stem cells, as the cells passing through the filters are damaged by the mechanical stress or pressure. In addition, filters carry a risk of contamination if not used properly, or if they are not cleaned sufficiently. UV irradiation, which is another disinfection method during the collection of umbilical cord blood, is a method used to neutralize microorganisms and pathogens during the processing of the cord blood. UV irradiation targets the DNA and RNA of microorganisms and prevents the reproduction of pathogens by causing permanent damage to these molecules. While UV rays damage and neutralize the DNA of microorganisms, they may also damage the DNA and RNA of the stem cells in the cord blood. This affects the vital functions of the stem cells and impairs their quality. In addition, UV rays cannot penetrate deep into the liquids and particles, thus limiting the effectiveness of UV rays in cloudy or particulate solutions such as cord blood, i.e. only superficial disinfection is achieved by said process.

[0008] Due to the limitations and inabilities of the solutions in the state of the art, it has been necessary to make a development in the disinfection methods of the umbilical cord blood as the deterioration of the quality of the stem cells in the umbilical cord blood disinfection process, the continuation of the risk of contamination despite the process, the damage to the stem cells during the process and the effects of their functions, as well as the inability to revive them in cancer treatment due to the breakdown of the cells.

[0009] Summary and Objectives of the Invention

[0010] The invention discloses a disinfection method which uses magnetic nanoparticles and a varying magnetic pole structure to prevent microbiological contamination in umbilical cord blood. Said method does not harm the stem cell functions in the umbilical cord blood.

[0011] An object of the invention is to remove all microorganisms present in the umbilical cord blood. The magnetic nanoparticles used in the invention disinfect all microorganisms in the blood, including those that are resistant to chemicals, without contacting any surface, as the magnetic nanoparticles are suspended in the air. In addition, the combination of the varying magnetic pole structure of the magnetic nanoparticles provides a synergistic effect and increases the disinfection efficiency.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to prevent damage to the stem cells. In the invention, the magnetic nanoparticles and varying magnetic pole structure prevent the chemicals used in the state of the art from damaging the umbilical cord blood cells.

[0013] An object of the invention is to disinfect the umbilical cord blood in a short time at a low cost. As the method of the invention does not require chemicals, filters or special devices, it performs the disinfection process at a lower cost. In addition, the magnetic nanoparticles and the varying magnetic pole structure provide an automatic and rapid disinfection process. An object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly method of cleaning a biological material. As there is no need to use any chemicals in the method of the invention, said method is environmentally friendly.

[0014] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0015] The invention relates to a disinfection method which uses magnetic nanoparticles and a varying magnetic pole structure to prevent microbiological contamination in umbilical cord blood. Said method does not harm the stem cell functions in the umbilical cord blood.

[0016] A disinfection method to prevent microbiological contamination of the umbilical cord blood according to the invention comprises the process steps of: i. dissolving at least 5% magnetic nanoparticles by volume in 0.9% physiological saline by volume, ii. homogeneous mixing of umbilical cord blood with a saline solution containing magnetic nanoparticles, iii. targetting and binding the microorganisms by the nanoparticles via a magnetic field, iv. changing the orientation and intensity of the magnetic field for 5 minutes for 20 milliseconds to increase the effectiveness of the nanoparticles, v. cleaning and eliminating the microorganisms to which the nanoparticles bind by them, vi. after the disinfection process is completed, separating the cleaned umbilical cord blood and making it usable.

[0017] The microorganisms mentioned in the method are gram-negative spore-forming microorganisms.

[0018] The nanoparticles used in the method of the invention may be ferrite or iron oxide nanoparticles. Said nanoparticles are used in an amount of at least 0.1 pT. In addition, as to changing the orientation of the magnetic field in the process step (v), said orientation may be applied inwards (S) as well as outwards (N).

[0019]

[0020] Industrial Applicability of the Invention

[0021] The invention relates to a disinfection method which uses magnetic nanoparticles and a varying magnetic pole structure to prevent microbiological contamination in umbilical cord blood, and has industrial applicability.

[0022] The invention is not limited to the foregoing explanations, and one person skilled in the art may easily reveal the different embodiments of the invention. These should be considered within the scope of protection of the invention claimed in the claims. REFERENCES

[0023] [1] Oyar P. Dental Kok Hucre Kaynaklan ve Kemik Doku Rejenerasyonunda Kullanilma Potansiyelleri. Ataturk Universitesi Di§ Hekim Fakultesi Derg. 2016;26:96-101. [2] I. lllusal klinik Pratikte Kok Hucre ve Gen Tedavisi Kongresi. Eri§im: hhtp: / / www. kokhucre2004.org. 7-9 Mayis 2004.

[0024] [3] Wyrsch A, dalle Carbonare V, Jansen W, Chklovskaia E, Nissen C, Surbek D, et al. Umbilical cord blood from preterm human fetuses is rich in committed and primitive hematopoietic progenitors with high proliferative and self-renewal capacity. Exp Hematol 1999;27:1338-45

[0025] [4] Rocha V, Cornish J, Sievers EL, Filipovich A, Locatelli F, Peters C, et al. Comparison of outcomes of unrelated bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants in children with acute leukemia. Blood 2001 ;97:2962-71 .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A disinfection method to prevent microbiological contamination in umbilical cord blood, characterized in that it comprises the process steps of: i. dissolving at least 5% magnetic nanoparticles by volume in 0.9% physiological saline by volume, ii. homogeneous mixing of umbilical cord blood with a saline solution containing magnetic nanoparticles, iii. targetting and binding the microorganisms by the nanoparticles via a magnetic field, iv. changing the orientation and intensity of the magnetic field for 5 minutes for 20 milliseconds to increase the effectiveness of the nanoparticles, v. cleaning and eliminating the microorganisms to which the nanoparticles bind by them, vi. after the disinfection process is completed, separating the cleaned umbilical cord blood and making it usable.

2. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that said magnetic nanoparticles are ferrite or iron oxide nanoparticles.

3. A method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the said microorganisms are gram-negative, spore-forming microorganisms.

4. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that said nanoparticles are of at least 0.1 pT.

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