A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a promising method for destroying cancer cells using specially designed molecules. These molecules, termed “molecular jackhammers,” vibrate with intense force when exposed to near-infrared light, effectively shattering the membranes of cancerous cells.
Aminocyanine molecules, already utilized in bioimaging, are the driving force behind this innovation.These synthetic dyes readily bind to the exterior of cells and remain stable in water, making them ideal candidates for this submission.
Researchers from Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas collaborated on this project, which represents a important advancement over previous cancer-killing molecular machines known as Feringa-type motors.
“it is a whole new generation of molecular machines that we call molecular jackhammers,” explained chemist James Tour from Rice University,highlighting the novelty of this approach. He further emphasized their superior speed, stating they are “more than one million times faster in their mechanical motion than the former Feringa-type motors, and they can be activated with near-infrared light rather than visible light.”
The utilization of near-infrared light is particularly beneficial as it enables deeper penetration into the body, possibly revolutionizing cancer treatment in organs and bones.
Initial tests conducted on lab-grown cancer cells demonstrated a remarkable 99 percent success rate in destroying the cells. Further trials on mice with melanoma tumors resulted in half the animals becoming cancer-free, showcasing the immense potential of this innovative treatment.
The unique structure and chemical properties of aminocyanine molecules enable them to synchronize their vibrations when stimulated by near-infrared light. This synchronized movement generates plasmons, collectively vibrating entities that propel the entire molecule, effectively acting as microscopic jackhammers.
Molecular Jackhammers: A New Approach to Cancer Treatment
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking new method for attacking cancer cells using tiny molecules dubbed “molecular jackhammers.” These innovative molecules utilize vibrations to physically tear apart cancer cell membranes, offering a promising new avenue for cancer treatment.
The structure of an aminocyanine molecule (a molecular jackhammer) overlaid on top of the calculated molecular plasmon. (Ciceron Ayala-Orozco/Rice University)
“This is the first time a molecular plasmon is utilized in this way to excite the whole molecule and to actually produce mechanical action used to achieve a particular goal – in this case, tearing apart cancer cells’ membrane,” explained chemist Ciceron Ayala-Orozco from Rice University.
These molecular jackhammers are designed with an arm that attaches to the cancer cell membrane. The vibrations generated by the molecule then physically break apart the membrane, destroying the cell.
“What needs to be highlighted is that we’ve discovered another description for how these molecules can work,” added Ayala-Orozco.
This method is particularly promising because it’s a straightforward, biomechanical approach. Cancer cells are unlikely to develop resistance to this type of physical destruction.
The research team is now exploring other types of molecules that could be used in a similar manner, expanding the potential of this innovative cancer treatment strategy.
“This study is about a different way to treat cancer using mechanical forces at the molecular scale,” said Ayala-Orozco.
The research was published in _Nature Chemistry_.
## Archyde Interview:
**Title:** Molecular Jackhammers: Shattering Cancer Cells With Light
**Introduction:**
Welcome back too Archyde! Today, we delve into the fascinating world of nanotechnology and its potential to revolutionise cancer treatment. Joining us is Dr. James Tour, a leading chemist from Rice University, who spearheads the development of groundbreaking “molecular jackhammers” – a new generation of molecules capable of destroying cancer cells with incredible precision.
**Interviewer:** Dr. tour, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us more about these intriguing “molecular jackhammers”?
**Dr. James Tour:** It’s a pleasure to be here. These molecular jackhammers are specially designed molecules that vibrate with immense force when exposed to near-infrared light.Think of them like tiny, targeted demolition crews. [[1](https://news.rice.edu/news/2023/molecular-jackhammers-good-vibrations-eradicate-cancer-cells)]
**Interviewer:** How do they specifically target and destroy cancer cells?
**Dr. James Tour:** These jackhammers are built using aminocyanine molecules, already known for their use in bioimaging. They have a unique ability to bind to the exterior of cancer cells and remain stable in water. Upon exposure to near-infrared light,they start vibrating violently,effectively shattering the cell membrane and destroying the cancerous cell.
**Interviewer:** this sounds incredibly futuristic. What makes these jackhammers superior to existing methods?
**Dr. james Tour:** This is a whole new generation of molecular machines.They are more than a million times faster than previous cancer-killing molecular machines known as Feringa-type motors, and they can be activated by near-infrared light. This is crucial because near-infrared light penetrates deeper into the body, potentially allowing us to treat cancers in organs and bones that were previously arduous to reach. [[1](https://news.rice.edu/news/2023/molecular-jackhammers-good-vibrations-eradicate-cancer-cells)]
**Interviewer:** Early research sounds promising. Can you share any details on the effectiveness of these jackhammers?
**Dr. James Tour:** We’ve seen remarkable results in lab tests on cancerous cell cultures. We’ve achieved a 99% success rate in destroying cancer cells using this approach.However,we’re still in the early stages of research.
**Interviewer:** What are the next steps in the development of these molecular jackhammers?
**Dr. James Tour:** The next phase involves extensive in vivo testing,followed by clinical trials. We need to ensure the safety and efficacy of this approach in living organisms before we can consider it for human use.
**Interviewer:** This is truly exciting research with immense potential to transform cancer treatment. Thank you, Dr. tour, for sharing your insights
Researchers from Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas collaborated on this project, which represents a important advancement over previous cancer-killing molecular machines known as Feringa-type motors.
“it is a whole new generation of molecular machines that we call molecular jackhammers,” explained chemist James Tour from Rice University,highlighting the novelty of this approach. He further emphasized their superior speed, stating they are “more than one million times faster in their mechanical motion than the former Feringa-type motors, and they can be activated with near-infrared light rather than visible light.”
The utilization of near-infrared light is particularly beneficial as it enables deeper penetration into the body, possibly revolutionizing cancer treatment in organs and bones.
Initial tests conducted on lab-grown cancer cells demonstrated a remarkable 99 percent success rate in destroying the cells. Further trials on mice with melanoma tumors resulted in half the animals becoming cancer-free, showcasing the immense potential of this innovative treatment.
The unique structure and chemical properties of aminocyanine molecules enable them to synchronize their vibrations when stimulated by near-infrared light. This synchronized movement generates plasmons, collectively vibrating entities that propel the entire molecule, effectively acting as microscopic jackhammers.
