Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have pioneered a novel approach with the potential to detect and eradicate cancer cells, particularly those forming solid tumor masses.
Gold and Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles
- Innovative Nanoparticles: IISc researchers created multifunctional hybrid nanoparticles by fusing copper sulfide with gold, with implications for early cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- These nanoparticles have photothermal properties, which allow them to absorb light and turn it into heat, thereby killing cancer cells. They also have oxidative properties. Additionally, they generate singlet oxygen atoms, which heighten the toxicity of the cells.
- Combining Mechanisms: The nanoparticles efficiently target and destroy cancer cells by using both photothermal and oxidative mechanisms.
Revolutionizing Cancer Diagnosis
- Ultrasound waves: These hybrid nanoparticles have the potential to be used for cancer diagnosis in addition to cancer treatment. They can generate ultrasonic waves and absorb light thanks to their photoacoustic characteristic.
- High Contrast Detection: Once the nanoparticles have reached the cancer cells, the ultrasonic waves increase the contrast to detect them. Compared to conventional CT and MRI scans, this approach provides images with a higher resolution.
- Clarity and Oxygen Saturation Measurement: Ultrasound-generated scans have better clarity and can measure the oxygen saturation of tumours, increasing the accuracy of cancer identification.
- The nanoparticles can be easily incorporated with existing detection and treatment systems. Integration with Existing Systems. For instance, concentrated illumination from endoscopes used for cancer screening might cause nanoparticle-induced heat generation.
Overcoming Size Limitations
- Size Advantages: These hybrid nanoparticles have a crucial benefit in terms of mobility inside tissues and their capacity to approach tumours, measuring less than 8 nm.
- Potential Safe Elimination: Because these nanoparticles are so small, scientists believe they will naturally leave the body without building up. To prove their fitness for internal usage, however, substantial safety investigations are required.
- Successful Lab Testing: The researchers successfully tested the potential of these nanoparticles on lung and cervical cancer cell lines in the laboratory.
- Clinical Development: The nanoparticles are getting closer to clinical development, according to this study’s encouraging results.
