Researchers have developed nanoparticles, known as nanodots, that can destroy cancer cells and leave healthy ones alone. The particles are made from a metal-based compound and offer hope for cancer research.
The work, by RMIT University, is still in its infancy, having only been tested in lab-grown cells. It has yet to be studied in either animals or humans. Nevertheless, the results are still promising.
The work is still in its early stages and has only been tested in laboratory-grown cells. It has not yet been studied in animals or humans. Even so, the findings suggest a promising strategy that takes advantage of vulnerabilities already present in cancer cells.
The nanodots are made from molybdenum oxide, a compound that is common in electronics and industrial alloys. Lead researcher Professor Jian Zhen Ou and Dr. Baoyue Zhang from RMIT’s School of Engineering say that small changes to its chemical structure cause sit to release reactive oxygen molecules which can damage vital cell components and trigger cell death.
In the laboratory experiments, nanodots killed cervical cancer cells at triple the rate in healthy cells over a 24-hour period. It worked without the need of light activation, unlike other related technologies.
The team carefully adjusted the composition of the metal oxide by adding tiny quantities of hydrogen and ammonium. This changed how the particles behaved, allowing them to push the cancerous cells into apoptosis, the body’s natural way of safely removing any damaged or malfunctioning cells.
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