A major breakthrough in the fight against cancer has been made. Scientists have developed a revolutionary technique that uses vibrating molecules to destroy cancer cells. This innovative approach has been shown to be astonishingly effective at 99% in the laboratory. Could it be a turning point in cancer treatment?

At the end of 2023, a promising discovery in the field of oncology is making headlines ScienceAlert. American researchers have developed a new method to fight cancer, using moleculesmolecules vibrating to destroy malignant cells. This technique, dubbed “molecular jackhammer”, offers a new perspective in the fight against this formidable disease.

A revolutionary approach: the “molecular jackhammer”

At the heart of this innovation are aminocyanine molecules, already used in bioimaging as synthetic dyes. These molecules have remarkable properties:

  • stability in water;
  • ability to attach easily to the surface of cells;
  • sensitivity to lightlight close infraredinfrared.

The research team, which included scientists from Rice University, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas, found that these molecules, when stimulated by near-infrared light, vibrate in a synchronized manner. This vibrationvibration is so powerful that it can tear the membrane of cancer cells.

Rice University Professor James Tour explains: “ This is a completely new generation of molecular machines that we call molecular jackhammers. They are over a million times faster in their movementmovement mechanical than previous Feringa type engines “.

Promising results in the laboratory and on animals

Laboratory tests revealed spectacular results:

Type of test Result
Cultured cancer cells 99% destruction
Mice with melanoma 50% complete recovery

These impressive figures highlight the considerable therapeutic potential of this technique. In addition, the use of near-infrared light has a major advantage: it allows deeper penetration into tissues. Thus, it would theoretically be possible to treat bone or organ cancers without resorting to surgery.

The mechanism of action: plasmons and synchronized vibrations

Dr. Ciceron Ayala-Orozco, a chemist at Rice University, explains how these “molecular jackhammers” work:

  1. Aminocyanine molecules are stimulated by near-infrared light;
  2. this stimulationstimulation causes the formation of plasmonsplasmons (collective vibrations ofelectronselectrons) ;
  3. plasmons cause mechanical movement of the entire molecule;
  4. This movement, amplified by the synchronization of molecules, destroys the membrane of cancer cells.

This biomechanical approach has an additional advantage: it would be difficult for cancer cells to develop a resistanceresistance against this type of purely mechanical action.

Outlook and next steps

While these results are extremely encouraging, it must be remembered that the research is still in its early stages. Next steps will likely include:

  • tests on other types of cancer;
  • the exploration of other molecules that may act in a similar manner;
  • of the clinical trialsclinical trials on Man.

Dr. Ayala-Orozco emphasizes the importance of this discovery: “ This study doordoor on a new way to treat cancer using mechanical forces at the molecular level “This innovative approach could pave the way for a new generation of treatments. anticanceranticanceroffering hope and perspective to the millions of people affected by this disease around the world.