Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have achieved a significant milestone in cancer research by introducing an innovative method for detecting and eradicating cancer cells.
Their pioneering approach involves the development of hybrid nanoparticles, which consist of a combination of gold and copper sulphide. These nanoparticles possess a unique set of properties, including photothermal, oxidative stress, and photoacoustic capabilities.
When exposed to light, these nanoparticles efficiently absorb it and generate heat, which can effectively target and eliminate cancer cells. Furthermore, they produce toxic singlet oxygen atoms, further enhancing the eradication of cancerous cells.
A notable aspect of these hybrid nanoparticles is their diagnostic potential. They can absorb light and generate ultrasound waves, enabling the detection of cancer cells with exceptional clarity and contrast. This characteristic has the potential to improve the precision of cancer diagnosis, as ultrasound waves scatter less than light when passing through tissues, resulting in clearer images and more accurate measurements of oxygen saturation within tumors.
One significant accomplishment of this research is the successful resolution of a major limitation associated with previous nanoparticles – their substantial size. Using a unique reduction method, the IISc team managed to deposit minuscule gold seeds onto the surface of copper sulphide, resulting in hybrid nanoparticles measuring less than 8 nm in size. These tiny particles hold promise for easy traversal through tissues to reach tumors while being small enough to naturally exit the human body without accumulating.
In laboratory experiments, these nanoparticles have shown great potential when tested on lung and cervical cancer cell lines. The next step for the IISc team is to advance these promising results toward clinical development, representing a significant leap forward in the ongoing battle against cancer.