Magnetic hydrogel may facilitate efficient removal of kidney stones: Study

Additional tests included scanning electron microscopy and cell culture with human urothelial cells to assess the cytotoxicity of the magnetic hydrogel components. The hydrogel and its components underwent efficacy and safety evaluations in in-vitro studies, murine models, and human tissue samples to assess their impact on urothelium and antibacterial properties.

The Hydrogel CF comprising chitosan and ferumoxytol showed 100% effectiveness in eliminating all tested fragments, even those measuring up to 4 mm, across various stone compositions. Particle tracing simulations indicated that small-sized stones measuring 1 and 3 mm could be captured several millimetres away. The binding of ferumoxytol and Hydrogel CF to the surface of calcium oxalate stones was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.

Even after a 4-hour exposure, Hydrogel CF components did not induce significant cytotoxicity on human urothelial cells. Moreover, live mouse studies revealed that Hydrogel CF caused less bladder urothelium exfoliation compared with chitosan, and the urothelium returned to normal within 12 hours. In addition, these components exhibited antibacterial properties, inhibiting the growth of uropathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis, comparable to that of ciprofloxacin.

The ability to eliminate lithiasic fragments, the absence of significant urothelial toxicity, and antibacterial activity indicate that magnetic hydrogel use could be integrated into laser treatments for renal stones through ureteroscopy without immediate complications.

"By enabling the efficient retrieval of kidney stone fragments, our method can lead to improved patient outcomes and stone-free rates," the research team wrote.

"The antibacterial properties could offer potential postoperative benefits while decreasing procedural time," they concluded. "Further animal studies are underway to assess Hydrogel CF's safety before proceeding to human clinical trials."