In a ground-breaking finding, researchers have identified a novel method to eradicate cancer cells by employing molecular jackhammers – a term coined for aminocyanine molecules stimulated by near-infrared light.
This innovative approach, developed by a research team from Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas, demonstrates remarkable efficiency and speed, outperforming previous cancer-killing molecular machines.
Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
Aminocyanine molecules, commonly used in bioimaging as synthetic dyes for cancer detection, exhibit stability in water and a strong affinity for cell exteriors.
When subjected to near-infrared light, these molecules vibrate collectively, akin to molecular jackhammers, effectively rupturing the membranes of cancer cells.
Chemist James Tour from Rice University describes this advancement as a “whole new generation of molecular machines,” emphasizing their superior speed (over one million times faster than previous motors) and activation by near-infrared light rather than visible light.
The use of near-infrared light is particularly crucial as it allows penetration deep into the body, potentially enabling non-surgical treatment for cancers located in bones and organs.
In laboratory tests on cultured cancer cells, the molecular jackhammer method demonstrated an impressive 99 percent success rate in destroying cells. The technique was further validated in mice with melanoma tumors, where half of the animals achieved cancer-free status.
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Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
The synchronized motion of aminocyanine molecules, driven by plasmons – collectively vibrating entities formed by electrons within the molecules – plays a crucial role in their mechanical action.
Chemist Ciceron Ayala-Orozco from Rice University underscores the significance of this molecular plasmon utilization, stating, “This is the first time a molecular plasmon is utilized in this way to excite the whole molecule and to actually produce mechanical action used to achieve a particular goal – in this case, tearing apart cancer cells’ membrane.”
The approach’s biomechanical nature presents a potential advantage, as cancer cells may find it challenging to evolve resistance.
While it’s still in the early stages of research, the findings hold promise for a revolutionary cancer treatment paradigm.
Future investigations will explore additional molecules with similar applications, marking a significant stride toward developing effective cancer therapies at the molecular scale.
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