Virus Sponge raises hope for birdflu treatment

The creation of a new virus sponge by researchers has raised hopes for the eradication of Influenza virus H5N1, which caused the recent epidemic of avian flu.

Washington, May 9 : The creation of a new "virus sponge" by researchers has raised hopes for the eradication of Influenza virus H5N1, which caused the recent epidemic of avian flu.

Researchers at the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering have created a "virus sponge" that could filter a patient's blood in a procedure parallel to kidney dialysis, removing the deadly virus from the patient's body.

The conception could also be used to make vaccine production more proficient and in a capsule to lessen glucose levels in diabetics, among other applications.

The virus sponge is based on a technology called molecular imprinting, in which researchers stamp a molecule's shape into a substance (in this case, a hydrogel-a sponge-like material). When the particular molecule filters through the hydrogel, it fits in the imprint hole and is trapped.

The research group of Peter Kofinas, a professor in the Clark School's Fischell Department of Bioengineering, is the first to apply molecular imprinting to confine the viruses, and to show that this approach is achievable using a low-cost hydrogel.

Kofinas' team has thus far used this procedure on plant viruses and Human Parvovirus B19, which causes "fifth disease" in babies, and has now begun work on the H5N1 influenza virus.

"This new technology could be integrated into hospitals and healthcare centers at minimal cost. Modifying existing dialysis machines to include the virus sponge technology would be relatively simple.

This virus removal device can be used the same way as a kidney dialysis machine. If you have a viral infection, you can go to the hospital and have your blood cleaned of that virus," Kofinas said.

While a new vaccine must be developed each year to destroy influenza that is expected to be the most potent, a hydrogel can be stamped as a universal filter for all flu strains. However, to accomplish better performance, a hydrogel filter can also be produced to grasp a particular strain of the virus.

The molecular imprinting process has many applications beyond trapping viruses.

"Applying the technology to a drug or food additive could contribute to the dietary freedom of those who suffer from type II diabetes," Kofinas said.

A pill having the hydrogels could be developed to get rid of surplus sugars when taken with food, thus helping diabetics control their diet, Kofinas explained.

Drug manufacturers could use the hydrogel filters in vaccine production. Pharmaceutical companies use viruses to produce the vaccines that battle them. Hydrogels could be used to strip the virus out of the finished medication, a process that is presently very lengthy and costly.

Another possible application is to use the matter as a filter in masks for those needing protection in case of biological warfare or other harmful biological agent exposure.

ANI