The first findings indicate “99% efficiency”: scientists presented a new method of destroying cancer cells
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Scientists have discovered a new way to destroy cancer cells using molecules of the synthetic dye aminocyanine.
When the researchers stimulated its molecules with near-infrared light and made them vibrate in sync, this proved to be enough to rupture the membranes of cancer cells. This is stated in a study published in the journal Nature Chemistry, writes Science Alert.
A research team from Rice University and the University of Texas claims that the new approach is significantly better than previous efforts.
“This is a whole new generation of molecular machines, which we call molecular ‘sledgehammers.’ They move more than a million times faster than previous Feringa-type engines and can be activated by near-infrared light rather than visible light.” – says chemist James Tur from Rice University.
| Photo: vitanovski/Depositphotos |
The use of near-infrared light is important because it allows scientists to penetrate deeper into the body. In this way, bone and organ cancer can potentially be treated without surgery to reach the tumor.
In tests on cultured cancer cells grown in the laboratory, the “molecular sledgehammer” method showed the destruction of 99% of the cells.
This approach was also tested in mice with melanoma tumors. Cancer cells completely disappeared in half of the group of animals.
The structure and chemical properties of aminocyanine molecules mean that they synchronize with the right stimulus, such as near-infrared light. During movement, electrons inside molecules form what are called plasmons – collectively vibrating “entities” that control the movement of the entire molecule.
“What needs to be emphasized is that we have found another explanation for how these molecules can work.
“This is the first time that a molecular plasmon has been used in such a way as to excite the entire molecule and actually create a mechanical action that is used to achieve a specific goal – in this case, the rupture of the cancer cell membrane,” – says chemist Cicero Ayala-Orozco of Rice University.
At the same time, scientists call it a simple, biomechanical technique against which it would be difficult for cancer cells to develop a blockade.
Scientists consider the initial findings of the study to be promising.
Read also: Scientists have found a new way to influence cancer cells: they will launch a “time bomb”
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