American scientists have successfully destroyed cancer cells in the laboratory using a special vibrating molecule stimulated by near-infrared light.
A research team from Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas reported that their new method is based on aminocyanine molecules. In the experiment, these molecules were stimulated by near-infrared light, causing them to vibrate in sync.
This effect disrupts the cancer cell membrane, thereby effectively destroying the tumor.
Cancer Cells – (AI-generated graphic).
Aminocyanine molecules are typically used as synthetic dyes in imaging techniques. In low doses, they are used to identify cancer cells within the body.
According to the researchers, this new method represents a significant improvement over an older type of cancer-killing molecular machine known as the Feringa motor, which also aimed to disrupt cell structures.
The aminocyanine application can be viewed as a completely new generation of cancer-killing molecular machines, operating faster and more efficiently.
By utilizing near-infrared light instead of visible light, it allows scientists to penetrate deeper into the body.
For instance, they can target bone cancer and internal organs without the need for surgery.
The recent results published in the journal Nature Chemistry stemmed from experiments involving cultured cancer cells.
They achieved unexpected success with a method they call the “molecular drill”, which destroyed 99% of the cancer cells.
This method has also been tested on mice with melanoma—a type of “killer” skin cancer—and has shown successful outcomes.
The research team continues to work towards clinical trials to incorporate this method into actual treatment protocols, as well as to test other similar molecules.
