“Scientists have developed light activated molecules capable of destroying up to 99 percent of cancer cells through mechanical action.”
“Researchers from Rice University Texas A and M University and the University of Texas created a novel chemo free approach that harnesses physical force to rupture cancer cells. The technique known as the molecular jackhammer utilizes aminocyanine molecules which are synthetic dyes commonly used in medical imaging.”
“When these molecules bind to cancer cell membranes and are exposed to near infrared light they begin vibrating in synchrony at an extraordinary rate of 40 trillion oscillations per second. This coordinated motion functions like a tiny jackhammer rapidly piercing and disintegrating the cell membrane leading to cell death within minutes.”
"Laboratory tests demonstrated a 99 percent effectiveness rate against human melanoma cells. In animal studies half of the mice with melanoma tumors became completely cancer free after treatment."
"Because the method operates through physical disruption rather than chemical or biological mechanisms researchers anticipate that cancer cells will have difficulty developing resistance. Near infrared light can penetrate deep into tissues making this a promising targeted non drug option for treating tumors that are challenging to reach with conventional therapies."
Above from posting;
Paper title;
Ayala-Orozco, C., et al. “Molecular jackhammers eradicate cancer cells by vibronic-driven action. Nature Chemistry”
- Article
- Published: 19 December 2023
Molecular jackhammers eradicate cancer cells by vibronic-driven action
Show authors
Nature Chemistry volume 16, pages456–465 (2024) Cite this article
Abstract
Through the actuation of vibronic modes in cell-membrane-associated aminocyanines, using near-infrared light, a distinct type of molecular mechanical action can be exploited to rapidly kill cells by necrosis. Vibronic-driven action (VDA) is distinct from both photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy as its mechanical effect on the cell membrane is not abrogated by inhibitors of reactive oxygen species and it does not induce thermal killing. Subpicosecond concerted whole-molecule vibrations of VDA-induced mechanical disruption can be achieved using very low concentrations (500 nM) of aminocyanines or low doses of light (12 J cm−2, 80 mW cm−2 for 2.5 min), resulting in complete eradication of human melanoma cells in vitro. Also, 50% tumour-free efficacy in mouse models for melanoma was achieved. The molecules that destroy cell membranes through VDA have been termed molecular jackhammers because they undergo concerted whole-molecule vibrations. 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.
Someone get a copy of the paper.
It is behind a paywall