Nanodiamond as a Cytokine Sponge in Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a systemic inflammatory response resulting in overexpression of cytokines in serum and tissues, which leads to multiple-organ failure. Due to rapid aggravation of symptoms, timely intervention is paramount; however, current therapies are limited in their capacity to address CRS. Here, we find that the intravenous injection of highly purified detonation-synthesized nanodiamonds (DND) can act as a therapeutic agent for treating CRS by adsorbing inflammatory cytokines. Highly purified DNDs successfully inactivated various key cytokines in plasma from CRS patients with pneumonia, septic shock, and coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (COVID-19). The intravenous injection of the DND samples in a mouse sepsis model by cecal ligation and puncture significantly improved survival rates and prevented tissue damage by reducing the circulating inflammatory cytokines. The results of this study suggest that the clinical application of highly purified DND can provide survival benefits for CRS patients by adsorbing inflammatory cytokines.

Developments and Trends of Nanotechnology Application in Sepsis: A Comprehensive Review Based on Knowledge Visualization Analysis

“…Specifically designed nanocarriers can neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines by selectively delivering agents that temper specific inflammatory pathways, thereby curtailing the hallmark cytokine storm of sepsis. One such innovation is Seokho Kim’s diamond nanodiamond (DND) structure, a potent pan-cytokine adsorbent, which effectively clears pivotal cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α . Breaking from tradition, Luo’s group pioneered a wireless, battery-free vagus nerve stimulator, underpinned by an implantable high-performance hydrogel nanogenerator (HENG) (Figure A).…”

Recent Development of Nano-Carbon Material in Pharmaceutical Application: A Review

“…Intravenous injection of pure detonation-synthesized nanodiamond has been promoted as a cytokine absorber in the treatment of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in the treatment COVID-19 [ 219 ]. This system has been tested on mice and exhibit low toxicity, fast-acting cytokine-absorption, and good mice survival rates.…”

Nanodiamonds for Biomedical Applications – Features of Interaction with Blood Components and Behavior in the Circulatory System [Review]

“…This section discusses some applications of the bare ND for the study and treatment of blood and blood components. Thus, the use of ND for controlled modification of the inflammatory and immune response is discussed [88][89][90]. It has been observed that detonation ND modifies the activity of neutrophils from the site of acute inflammation.…”

“…The possibility of using this effect to develop an effective nanovaccine against the H7N9 Influenza virus is discussed [89]. On the other hand, uncoated highly purified detonation ND was applied as a cytokine "sponge" in infectious diseases [90]: intravenously administered ND has been proposed a therapeutic agent for treatment of cytokine release syndrome (CRSa systemic inflammatory response resulting in overexpression of cytokines, which leads to poliorganic failure) by adsorbing inflammatory cytokines. Successful ND inactivation of key cytokines in the blood plasma of CRS patients with COVID-19, pneumonia and septic shock has been demonstrated [90].…”

“…On the other hand, uncoated highly purified detonation ND was applied as a cytokine "sponge" in infectious diseases [90]: intravenously administered ND has been proposed a therapeutic agent for treatment of cytokine release syndrome (CRSa systemic inflammatory response resulting in overexpression of cytokines, which leads to poliorganic failure) by adsorbing inflammatory cytokines. Successful ND inactivation of key cytokines in the blood plasma of CRS patients with COVID-19, pneumonia and septic shock has been demonstrated [90]. Intravenous injection of ND in a mouse sepsis model improved survival rates and prevented tissue damage by reducing blood-circulating inflammatory cytokines.…”