Major Breakthrough Unveiled in the Battle Against Cancer

Scientists from Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas have made a significant discovery in the fight against cancer. They have found a novel way to destroy cancer cells using vibrating molecules.

By stimulating aminocyanine molecules with near-infrared light, researchers managed to synchronize their vibrations, causing the rupture of cancer cell membranes. Aminocyanine molecules are already used as synthetic dyes in bioimaging. They are commonly used in small doses to detect cancer as they remain stable in water and easily attach to cell surfaces.

The research team claims that this new approach is a substantial improvement over a previous method called the Feringa motor, which also had the ability to break down cancer cell structures.

According to chemist James Tour from Rice University, these vibrating molecules represent a new generation of molecular machines known as molecular hammers. They vibrate over a million times faster than previous Feringa motors and can be activated with near-infrared light instead of visible light.

This is crucial because near-infrared light allows scientists to reach deeper into the body, potentially treating bone and organ cancers without the need for surgery.

Initial tests on lab-cultivated cancer cells showed a 99% success rate in destroying cells using the molecular hammer method. The approach was also tested on mice with melanoma tumors, and half of the animals showed complete disappearance of the cancer.

The structure and chemical properties of aminocyanine molecules make them perfectly synchronized with the right stimulus, such as near-infrared light. When in motion, electrons within these molecules form what is known as a plasmon, collectively vibrating and causing movement throughout the molecule.

Chemist Cicero Ayala-Orozco from Rice University emphasized that this is the first time a molecular plasmon has been used to excite an entire molecule and produce a specific mechanical action.

Plasmons have an arm that aids in attaching to cancer cell membranes, while the vibrational movements separate them. This unique technique poses a challenge to cancer cells, which must develop defenses against it.

While the research is still in its early stages, these findings are promising. Researchers will continue to study other types of molecules that could be used in a similar manner. This study represents a different approach to cancer treatment, utilizing mechanical forces at the molecular scale.

The research was published in the journal Nature Chemistry.