Researchers Create A 'Molecular Jackhammer' That Can Kill Cancer Cells
M3 Global Newsdesk Sep 29, 2024
Learn about a groundbreaking cancer treatment discovery using near-infrared light to activate molecular 'jackhammers' that destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. Know how this innovative approach offers a promising, resistance-free solution for hard-to-treat cancers.
Key takeaways
- Researchers found that shining near-infrared light on aminocyanine molecules (used in colour contrast for imaging purposes) creates a cancer cell–killing vibration effect. This is called a ‘molecular motor’ or ‘molecular jackhammer.’
- In an experimental study, 50% of experimental models with melanoma tumours were cancer-free by the end of treatment. More so, the motor was 99% effective against lab cultures containing human melanoma cells.
- Researchers explain that cancer cells are not likely to develop resistance to the molecular force generated by the light, making it a viable option for killing cancer cells.
Researchers have found that combining a certain kind of molecule with near-infrared light creates a ‘molecular motor’ capable of rupturing and killing cancer cells, according to a news release issued by Rice University.[1][2]
Here’s how it works
When near-infrared light, which can penetrate deep into the human body, is shined on aminocyanine molecules ( commonly used as a contrast dye for imaging purposes), the molecules vibrate in unison, creating something known as a plasmon.[1] This plasmon creates a jackhammer-like movement that destroys the cancer cells.
Researchers say they predict a massive expansion in the molecular motor field over the next 10 to 20 years.[3] The new approach builds on a previously developed molecular motor known as a Feringa-type motor.
The power of light
Light has been a key subject of study for some time, according to the Journal of the American Chemical Society. “As light is a highly tunable, controllable, clean, and renewable source of energy, photochemical processes are appealing to activate molecular motors,” the researchers write. “Nonetheless, the successful operation of molecular motors fueled by light is a highly challenging task, which requires a judicious coupling of thermal and photoinduced reactions.”
“Given that a cell is unlikely to develop resistance to such molecular mechanical forces, molecular jackhammers present an alternative modality for inducing cancer cell death,” the researchers explain.[2]
“It is a whole new generation of molecular machines that we call molecular jackhammers,” study author James Tour, PhD, told Rice University.[1] “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.”
In an experimental study, 50% of experimental models with melanoma tumours were cancer-free by the end of the treatment. More so, the motor was 99% effective against human lab cultures containing melanoma cells.
The researchers explain that this new method also offers a deeper glimpse into how it all works: "What needs to be highlighted is that we've discovered another explanation for how these molecules can work," study author Ciceron Ayala-Orozco, PhD, said.[1] "This is the first time a molecular plasmon is utilised in this way to excite the whole molecule and to produce mechanical action used to achieve a particular goal — in this case, tearing apart cancer cells' membrane.”
So, what’s next?
Dr. Tour says that the research team is looking to take the next steps to bring this motor to fruition. “We are presently seeing if we can get tumour irradiation in a pancreatic cancer model,” Dr. Tour says. “So, we are moving it to one of the most difficult forms of cancer treatments.”
What this means for you
Understanding how molecular motors function is important. This can help you keep track of emergent cancer treatment research and explain complex concepts to patients who might have heard about, them but don’t quite understand, the approach. Put simply, molecular motors convert chemical or electrical energy, like light and molecules, into actual work, such as the vibration effect.[4]
“The light shining on the tumour will cause the tumour-associated molecules to vibrate and thereby kill the cancer cells,” says Dr Tour. “The light itself causes no damage to tissue, and the molecules themselves cause no damage to tissue. So, it is like a double safety mechanism since the light can be focused directly on the tumour, and the molecules can be directed to the tumour.”
Disclaimer: This story is contributed by Lisa Marie Basile and is a part of our Global Content Initiative, where we feature selected stories from our Global network which we believe would be most useful and informative to our doctor members.
-
Exclusive Write-ups & Webinars by KOLs
-
Daily Quiz by specialty -
Paid Market Research Surveys -
Case discussions, News & Journals' summaries
