Scientists have discovered a remarkable way to destroy cancer cells. A study published last year found it stimulating aminocyanine molecules with near-infrared light caused them to vibrate in sync, enough to break the membranes of cancer cells.
Aminocyanine molecules are already used in bioimaging as synthetic dyes. Commonly used at low doses to detect cancer, they remain stable in water and attach very well to the exterior of cells.
The research team from Rice University, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas said their approach was a marked improvement over another type of cancer-killing molecular machine. previously developed, called Feringa-like motors, which could also break down problematic cell structures.
“This is a whole new generation of molecular machines that we call molecular jackhammers,” said chemist James Tour of Rice University, when the results are published in December 2023.
“They are more than a million times faster in their mechanical movement than older Feringa-type motors, and they can be activated with near-infrared light rather than visible light.”
Using near-infrared light is important because it allows scientists to penetrate deeper into the body. Bone and organ cancer could potentially be treated without the need for surgery to reach the cancer growth.
When tested on cancer cells grown in the laboratory, the molecular jackhammer method had a 99% success rate in destroying cells. The approach was also tested on mice exhibiting melanoma tumorsand half of the animals became cancer free.
The structure and chemical properties of aminocyanine molecules mean that they stay in sync with the right stimulus, such as near-infrared light. When in motion, electrons inside molecules form what are called plasmonscollectively vibrating entities that drive movement throughout the molecule.
“What should be emphasized is that we have discovered another explanation for how these molecules work,” said chemist Cicero Ayala-Orozco of Rice University.
“This is the first time a molecular plasmon has been used in this way to excite the entire molecule and actually produce a mechanical action used to achieve a particular goal – in this case, tearing the membrane of cancer cells.”
Plasmons have an arm on one side, helping to connect molecules to the cancer cell membranes while the vibration movements push them apart. The research is still in its early stages, but these initial results are very promising.
It’s also the kind of simple biomechanical technique that cancer cells would struggle to develop. blockade against. Next, researchers study other types of molecules that can be used in the same way.
“This study looks at a different way of treating cancer using mechanical forces at the molecular level,” said Ayala-Orozco.
The research was published in Natural chemistry.
An earlier version of this article was published in December 2023.