Scientists claim to have found a new way to eliminate cancer cells in a less invasive way for the patient, using aminocyanine molecules.
The research team from Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas, experimented on cultured cancer cells with something called the 'jackhammer method.'
James Tour, a chemist from Rice University, said: 'It is a whole new generation of molecular machines that we call molecular jackhammers.'
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Aminocyanine molecules are commonly used as synthetic dyes in medical imaging. They have distinct chemical properties that allow them to be manipulated with the right stimulus, which is near-infrared light.
According to Science Alert: 'Stimulating aminocyanine molecules with near-infrared light caused them to vibrate in sync, enough to break apart the membranes of cancer cells.'
The molecular jackhammer method resulted in a remarkable 99% success rate in destroying cells. Furthermore, when the approach was tested on mice with melanoma tumours, half the animals became cancer-free in response to the treatment.
Moreover, the researchers described the innovative method to be a 'marked improvement over another kind of cancer-killing molecular machine previously developed, called Feringa-type motors, which could also break the structures of problematic cells.'
They can be activated with near-infrared light instead of visible light.
One of the benefits of near-infrared light is the fact it enables deep penetration into the body's cells - which is extremely important in cancer treatments - particularly when the condition affects the bones and organs.
Using this less invasive technique could pave the way for new cancer treatments and eliminate the need for invasive surgeries, resulting in a better patient experience.
Of course, the findings are still in their early stages. However, the researchers are optimistic about the potential applications of this technique in future cancer treatments.
Another chemist who was involved in the research, Ciceron Ayala-Orozco from Rice University, said: 'What needs to be highlighted is that we've discovered another explanation for how these molecules can work.
'This is the first time a molecular plasmon is utilised 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.'
The research was published in the Nature Chemistry journal in early December 2023.