
Scientists have discovered a wonderful way to destroy cancer cells. A study published last year found motivation Aminocyanine molecules Using near-infrared light, he made them vibrate in sync, enough to break up cancer cell membranes.
Aminocyanine molecules are already used in bioimaging as synthetic dyes. Typically used in low doses to detect cancer, they remain stable in water and are very good at attaching themselves to the outside of cells.

The research team from Rice University, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas said their approach represents a marked improvement over another type of cancer-killing molecular machine. previously developed, They are called Feringa-type motors, which can also break down problematic cell structures.
“It’s a whole new generation of molecular machines that we call molecular jackhammers.” He said Chemist James Tur of Rice University, when the results were published in December 2023.
“It is a million times faster in its mechanical movement than previous Feringa-type engines, and can be activated using near-infrared light instead of visible light.”
The use of near-infrared light is important because it enables scientists to delve deeper into the body. Cancer in the bones and organs can be treated without the need for surgery to access the cancer growth.
In tests on cancer cells grown in the laboratory, the molecular hammer method achieved a 99% success rate in destroying the cells. This approach has also been tested in mice using… Melanoma tumorsHalf of the animals became cancer-free.
The structure and chemical properties of aminocyanine molecules mean that they stay in sync with the right stimulus, such as near-infrared light. When they are in motion, the electrons within molecules form what is known as Plasmonesentities vibrating collectively that drive motion through the entire molecule.

“What should be highlighted is that we have discovered another explanation for how these molecules work.” He said Chemist Cicero Ayala Orozco of Rice University.
“This is the first time that a molecular plasmon has been used in this way to excite an entire molecule and produce a mechanical action used to achieve a specific goal – in this case, disrupting the membrane of cancer cells.”
Plasmones have an arm on one side, which helps attach molecules to cancer cell membranes while vibrational movements pull them apart. It’s still early days in the research, but these initial results are very promising.
This is also a kind of direct biomechanical technique that cancer cells may have difficulty developing some kind of blockade against. Next, researchers are looking at other types of molecules that could be used similarly
“This study is about a different way to treat cancer using mechanical forces at the molecular level.” He said Ayala Orozco.
The research was published in Nature chemistry.
A previous version of this article was published in December 2023.