Scientists Destroyed 99% of Cancer Cells in the Lab

Researchers have come up with a new innovative method in the elimination of cancer cells. When scientists shine near-infrared light on aminocyanine molecules, they begin vibrating together. This synchronized vibration is potent enough to rupture the outer walls of cancer cells.

Aminocyanine molecules are currently employed in bioimaging as man-made dyes. Typically used in small amounts for spotting cancer, these molecules remain steady in water and easily stick to the surfaces of cells, according to ScienceAlert.

A research team composed of experts from Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas says that the recently discovered method surpasses a different cancer-fighting molecular device known as Feringa-type motors. These motors, too, could dismantle the structures of troublesome cells.

Scientists Destroy 99% of Cancer Cells in The Lab Using Vibrating Molecules, Unleashing Unprecedented Healing Power. pic.twitter.com/W60a7aEBTp

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Chemist James Tour from Rice University described the molecular machines as “molecular jackhammers.” These devices operate over a million times faster in their mechanical movements compared to the previous Feringa-type motors.

What’s remarkable is that they can be set in motion using near-infrared light instead of visible light, James Tour further explained.

Molecular jackhammer method scored a 99 percent hit rate

Utilizing near-infrared light is important, as it allows scientists to delve deeper into the body. This method has the potential to treat cancer in bones and organs without resorting to surgery to access the cancerous growth.

In experiments conducted on cultured cancer cells grown in labs, the molecular jackhammer technique showed a 99 percent success rate in obliterating the cells. The approach was further tested on mice with melanoma tumors, resulting in half of the animals becoming free of cancer, as reported by ScienceAlert.

The structure and chemical traits of aminocyanine molecules enable them to synchronize with specific triggers, such as near-infrared light. When these molecules are activated, the electrons within them create plasmons—group vibrations that propel movement throughout the entire molecule.

Scientists Destroy 99% of Cancer Cells in The Lab Using Vibrating Molecules

Scientists have discovered a new way to destroy cancer cells. Stimulating aminocyanine molecules with near-infrared light caused them to vibrate in sync, enough to break apart the membranes of cancer… pic.twitter.com/qFdxK0sYgJ

— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) December 27, 2023

Chemist Ciceron Ayala-Orozco from Rice University emphasized it is important to underscore that we’ve uncovered an additional explanation for how these molecules can function.

For the first time, researchers are utilizing a molecular plasmon in a unique way. It stimulates the entire molecule, generating mechanical force with a specific purpose—in this instance, breaking apart the membranes of cancer cells, Ayala-Orozco further explained.

Plasmons destroy the membranes of cancer cells

The plasmons have an arm on one side, aiding in linking the molecules to the membranes of cancer cells. The vibrations resulting from these movements then shatter the membranes.

It is challenging for cancer cells to develop defenses against such a direct biomechanical approach. Researchers are now exploring other types of molecules that can be applied in a similar fashion, as reported by ScienceAlert.