A Stimulation of the Blood Clotting Process

On October 4, 2006, in the online article “‘Artificial blood cells’ could heal surfaces” (found at: http://www.newscientisttech.com/article/dn10231-artificial-blood-cells-could-heal-surfaces.html), NewScientist.com reported that new technology has been created to fill surface defects using microscopic capsules.

Using computer stimulation, researchers have developed models to show how “microscopic polymer capsules” can be used to fill in surface gaps on microscopic levels and in microscopic materials. The specialized capsules would be fed onto the damaged surface through a liquid medium so that the capsules could roll across. Both the surface and the capsules are coated with a water-repellent, or “hydrophobic,” substance to allow smooth movement between them. However, if the microcapsules reach a break in the hydrophobic layer, where a surface gap would be, they would naturally clump together at the defect because there would be no water-repellent material to allow the capsules to continue rolling. At the defective site, the capsules would steadily release nanoparticles that would fill in the gap in the surface. Once filled, and the planar surface back intact, the microcapsule can continue to flow with the liquid.

Anna Balazs leads the team of scientists at Pittsburgh University who have been studying models of this process on a level of nanometers. Basically, this process of filling in gaps is just a synthetic mimic of naturally occurring biological functions, such as the clotting of blood in the human body. I find it interesting that there are researchers whose sole goal is to recreate processes that already occur. However, it is odd that there seem to be no applicable motivators for Balazs and her team with their developments. They have just made a computer-generated model for other scientists and engineers to utilize and benefit from. Other studies conducted and overseen my Balazs all involve the explanation of how things move or function, very theoretical work. The greatest motivating factor for Balazs is not to discover or develop new ideas, but to help others do so by doing background work on what facts already exist.

I can definitely see the uses that a repairing process could benefit. For instance, this technology has could be used to fix micro-fluidic chips, scratched goggles or glasses, surface sensitive optical materials, microchip or computer parts, or even on compact discs. I find it slightly disheartening that some scientists are not willing to go the extra distance to apply their science. Though I am not denying that they may have very valid reasons for not doing so, this phenomenon may explain why scientific progress can be very slow and strenuous. It takes lengthy periods of time to develop, test, retest, and verify every specific detail of a scientific development, sometimes by a multitude of intellectuals from various different fields. I also can see the benefit of dividing up the work, if you will, allowing different researchers to specialize in a very narrow subject area. Though this make me time-exhaustive, this sort of peer review system is still good to maintain the integrity of scientific discovery and development.

Additional Sources:

Kuksenok, Katie, comp. "Soft Condensed Matter: Theory & Stimulation: Research Group of Professor Anna Balazs." 2 June 2006. Chemical Engineering Department, University of Pittsburgh. 4 Oct. 2006 .

"News: Dr. Anna Balazs." School of Engineering: University of Pittsburgh. 2 Aug. 2006. University of Pittsburgh. 4 Oct. 2006 .