In a groundbreaking study, scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in cancer treatment by destroying 99% of cancer cells in lab tests using vibrating molecules. This innovative approach, involving aminocyanine molecules stimulated by near-infrared light, represents a significant advancement over previous cancer-killing technologies.
The research team, consisting of experts from Rice University, Texas A&M University, and theUniversity of Texas, utilized aminocyanine molecules, which are typically employed in bio imaging. These molecules, known for their stability in water and their ability to adhere to cell surfaces, were subjected to near-infrared light. This stimulation caused the molecules to vibrate in unison, generating mechanical forces strong enough to disrupt cancer cell membranes.
James Tour, a chemist at Rice University, described the technology as “molecular jackhammers.” These new molecular machines are reported to be over one million times faster in mechanical motion than their predecessors, the Feringa-type motors. Importantly, the use of near-infrared light allows for deeper penetration into the body, potentially treating cancers located in bones and organs without invasive surgery.
PROMISING RESULTS AND MECHANISM
In lab tests, this novel method demonstrated an impressive 99 percent success rate in destroying cultured cancer cells. Additionally, tests conducted on mice with melanoma tumours showed that 50% of the mice became cancer-free after treatment.
The aminocyanine molecules, when activated by near-infrared light, generate plasmons—vibrating electron entities that drive the molecule’s mechanical motion. This motion effectively tears apart cancer cell membranes, showcasing a new application of molecular plasmon technology.
Ciceron Ayala-Orozco, another researcher from Rice University, highlighted the significance of this discovery. “This is the first time a molecular plasmon is utilized in this way to produce mechanical action aimed at a specific goal—tearing apart cancer cell membranes.”
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
The researchers are optimistic about the potential of this technique, noting that it presents a straightforward biomechanical approach that cancer cells may struggle to counteract. Future research will explore other types of molecules that could be utilized in a similar manner, potentially expanding the applications of this technology.
Ayala-Orozco emphasized the transformative nature of this research, stating, “This study represents a different way to treat cancer using mechanical forces at the molecular scale.”