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A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a promising method for destroying cancer cells using specially designed molecules. These molecules, termed “molecular jackhammers,” vibrate with intense force when exposed to near-infrared light, effectively shattering the membranes of cancerous cells.
Aminocyanine molecules, already utilized in bioimaging, are the driving force behind this innovation.These synthetic dyes readily bind to the exterior of cells and remain stable in water, making them ideal candidates for this submission.
Researchers from Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas collaborated on this project, which represents a important advancement over previous cancer-killing molecular machines known as Feringa-type motors.
“it is a whole new generation of molecular machines that we call molecular jackhammers,” explained chemist James Tour from Rice University,highlighting the novelty of this approach. He further emphasized their superior speed, stating they are “more than one million times faster in their mechanical motion than the former Feringa-type motors, and they can be activated with near-infrared light rather than visible light.”
The utilization of near-infrared light is particularly beneficial as it enables deeper penetration into the body, possibly revolutionizing cancer treatment in organs and bones.
Initial tests conducted on lab-grown cancer cells demonstrated a remarkable 99 percent success rate in destroying the cells. Further trials on mice with melanoma tumors resulted in half the animals becoming cancer-free, showcasing the immense potential of this innovative treatment.
The unique structure and chemical properties of aminocyanine molecules enable them to synchronize their vibrations when stimulated by near-infrared light. This synchronized movement generates plasmons, collectively vibrating entities that propel the entire molecule, effectively acting as microscopic jackhammers.
The structure of an aminocyanine molecule (a molecular jackhammer) overlaid on top of the calculated molecular plasmon. (Ciceron Ayala-Orozco/Rice University)
“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,” explained chemist Ciceron Ayala-Orozco from Rice University.
These molecular jackhammers are designed with an arm that attaches to the cancer cell membrane. The vibrations generated by the molecule then physically break apart the membrane, destroying the cell.
“What needs to be highlighted is that we’ve discovered another description for how these molecules can work,” added Ayala-Orozco.
This method is particularly promising because it’s a straightforward, biomechanical approach. Cancer cells are unlikely to develop resistance to this type of physical destruction.
The research team is now exploring other types of molecules that could be used in a similar manner, expanding the potential of this innovative cancer treatment strategy.
“This study is about a different way to treat cancer using mechanical forces at the molecular scale,” said Ayala-Orozco.
The research was published in _Nature Chemistry_.
Scientists Develop “Molecular jackhammers” to Destroy Cancer Cells
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Researchers from Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas collaborated on this project, which represents a important advancement over previous cancer-killing molecular machines known as Feringa-type motors.
“it is a whole new generation of molecular machines that we call molecular jackhammers,” explained chemist James Tour from Rice University,highlighting the novelty of this approach. He further emphasized their superior speed, stating they are “more than one million times faster in their mechanical motion than the former Feringa-type motors, and they can be activated with near-infrared light rather than visible light.”
The utilization of near-infrared light is particularly beneficial as it enables deeper penetration into the body, possibly revolutionizing cancer treatment in organs and bones.
Initial tests conducted on lab-grown cancer cells demonstrated a remarkable 99 percent success rate in destroying the cells. Further trials on mice with melanoma tumors resulted in half the animals becoming cancer-free, showcasing the immense potential of this innovative treatment.
The unique structure and chemical properties of aminocyanine molecules enable them to synchronize their vibrations when stimulated by near-infrared light. This synchronized movement generates plasmons, collectively vibrating entities that propel the entire molecule, effectively acting as microscopic jackhammers.
Molecular Jackhammers: A New Approach to Cancer Treatment
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking new method for attacking cancer cells using tiny molecules dubbed “molecular jackhammers.” These innovative molecules utilize vibrations to physically tear apart cancer cell membranes, offering a promising new avenue for cancer treatment.
