An unlikely underwater animal has become the focus of scientists in its ability to identify micro blood clots forming in the brain – and potentially prevent strokes.
The remarkable innovation discovered by researchers from the University of Caen found that the remarkable adhesive power of mussels can not only improve stroke diagnosis but also target treatment more preceisely.
Anyone who’s seen mussels clinging to wet rocks knows how firmly they stay attached. This stickiness comes from the byssus, the fine threads mussels use to grip their surfaces.
Drawing on this natural adhesive, scientists at Caen’s Blood and Brain Institute have crafted a novel contrast agent – a substance used in MRI scans to highlight specific regions within the human body.
But they’re not harvesting mussels from the sea to make this contrast agent. Instead, every component is carefully synthesised in the lab to mimic the adhesive properties mussels possess.
This sticky substance serves a dual purpose: it binds iron oxide particles essential for magnetic imaging and, crucially, is biodegradable, allowing the agent to attach securely to elusive micro blood clots.
As the researchers explain, this innovation makes the invisible visible. Stroke is often caused by large blood clots that clog arteries and disrupt blood flow to the brain. These larger clots, or thromboses, can be detected using MRI.
However, smaller clots—microthrombi—often remain undetectable, lingering in vessels and posing risks that standard imaging cannot reveal.
The Caen team believes their contrast agent could change this by providing a clearer picture, potentially leading to earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
The agent might also pave the way for more targeted treatments.
For now, it has only been tested on mice but scientists hope to increase funding for the potentially life-saving treatment.
