Evidence supporting the use of: Thiol-functionalized silica
For the health condition: Heavy Metal Poisoning

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Thiol-functionalized silica has a strong scientific basis for its use in treating heavy metal poisoning, particularly in environmental and biomedical applications. Thiol groups (-SH) have a high affinity for binding soft heavy metal ions such as mercury (Hg2+), lead (Pb2+), and cadmium (Cd2+). In numerous peer-reviewed studies, thiol-functionalized silica materials have shown exceptional adsorption capacities for these metals, often outperforming non-functionalized silica or other functional groups. This is primarily due to the strong covalent bonds formed between the thiol sulfur atom and the heavy metal ions, effectively immobilizing the metals and reducing their bioavailability.

In the context of human health, research is ongoing regarding the direct therapeutic use of thiol-functionalized silica as an oral or injectable chelating agent, but most current applications are in extracorporeal blood purification systems (e.g., hemoperfusion cartridges) or in water treatment, where contaminated water is passed through silica-based filters to remove toxic metals. Animal studies and in vitro experiments have demonstrated effective removal of heavy metals from biological fluids using thiol-functionalized silica. However, clinical data on direct human therapeutic use are limited compared to conventional chelators like DMSA or EDTA. Overall, the use of thiol-functionalized silica for heavy metal removal is strongly supported by scientific evidence in environmental and preclinical biomedical settings, but clinical adoption for direct poisoning treatment in humans is still emerging.

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Other health conditions supported by Thiol-functionalized silica

Heavy Metal Poisoning

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