This technique is known as "molecular hammer," which is based on the use of medical molecules known as "aminocyanin," which are synthetic dyes currently used in medical imaging techniques, and then activating them with near-infrared rays to cause mechanical movement inside cancer cells.
When these molecules are exposed to the appropriate light, they begin to vibrate at an enormous speed of up to about 40 trillion vibrations per second, which leads to tearing apart the cancer cell membrane and eliminating it within minutes, even when using low amounts of them.
The results of the first experiments with this technology were published in the journal Nature Chemistry, as part of a study conducted by a research team from Rice University, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas.
Laboratory experiments showed that the technique was able to destroy about 99% of cancer cells, and half of the mice with skin cancer were completely cured after the experimental treatment.
Since the publication of these results, the researchers, led by chemist James Tour and his colleagues, have continued to develop the technology with the aim of improving its ability to target different types of cancer with greater precision.
The team published a new study in the journal Advanced Science that dealt with the development of multiple forms of "molecular hammers," which could expand their future use in combating different types of tumors.
This technology is still in its early stages, with trials so far limited to the laboratory and animal models, and not yet extensively tested on humans. Therefore, its success in treating patients requires further studies to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Researchers believe that what distinguishes this method is its reliance on a direct mechanical effect, which may reduce the likelihood of cancer cells developing resistance to it, as sometimes happens with some drug treatments
The technology relies on a phenomenon known as molecular plasmons, where electrons within aminocyanin molecules move collectively when activated by light, causing the entire molecule to move and producing a mechanical force capable of da hammers" are rapidly absorbed and eliminated by healthy cells, giving initial indications that they could be used safely in therapeutic applications.
Researchers emphasize that there is still a long way to go before "molecular hammering" becomes a reatment available to patients, but current findings point to a promising trend in cancer research that relies on using mfftechanical action at the molecular level to destroy gtytinfected cells.
