In a groundbreaking stride towards combating cancer, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have unveiled a pioneering approach that has the potential to detect and obliterate cancer cells, particularly those that form solid tumor masses. Their innovative solution? Hybrid nanoparticles crafted from gold and copper sulphide, demonstrating a dual capacity to eliminate cancer cells through heat and facilitate their detection via sound waves. This transformative research was unveiled in a study published in ‘ACS Applied Nano Materials.
In the relentless battle against cancer, early detection and treatment are paramount. Recognizing this imperative, the Bengaluru-based IISc has embarked on a mission to redefine cancer diagnosis and therapy. Copper sulphide nanoparticles had previously garnered attention for their role in cancer diagnosis, while gold nanoparticles, amenable to chemical modification for precise cancer cell targeting, had demonstrated anti-cancer properties.
In their groundbreaking study, the IISc research team ingeniously fused these two elements into hybrid nanoparticles, thereby creating a scientific marvel. Jaya Prakash, Assistant Professor at the Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics (IAP) at IISc and one of the corresponding authors of the paper, explains, “These particles have photothermal, oxidative stress, and photoacoustic properties.” The co-first authors of the paper, PhD students Madhavi Tripathi and Swathi Padmanabhan, have played a pivotal role in this groundbreaking discovery.
When these hybrid nanoparticles are exposed to light, they absorb it and generate heat, capable of eradicating cancer cells. Additionally, these nanoparticles release singlet oxygen atoms, toxic to the cells, thereby creating a formidable dual-action mechanism to combat cancer. “We want both these mechanisms to kill the cancer cell,” elaborates Jaya Prakash.
These nanoparticles also promise to be instrumental in the diagnosis of specific cancers, offering a more precise and less invasive approach. Traditional methods, such as standalone CT and MRI scans, require skilled radiology professionals for interpretation. However, the nanoparticles’ photoacoustic property allows them to absorb light and produce ultrasound waves, resulting in high-contrast detection of cancer cells once the particles reach them.
The ultrasound waves generated by these nanoparticles offer superior image resolution, as sound waves scatter less when passing through tissues compared to light. The resulting scans not only provide enhanced clarity but can also measure the oxygen saturation within the tumor, further enhancing their diagnostic capabilities.
Professor Ashok M Raichur, from the Department of Materials Engineering and another corresponding author of the study, emphasizes the versatility of this breakthrough: “You can integrate this with existing systems of detection or treatment.” For instance, an endoscope typically employed for cancer screening can trigger the nanoparticles to produce heat by shining light on them.
The significance of this discovery is further underscored by the nanoparticles’ diminutive size, measuring less than 8 nm. This small size potential allows them to traverse tissues effortlessly, reaching tumor sites with unprecedented efficiency. While promising, extensive studies are required to ascertain their safety and natural elimination from the human body.
In their initial laboratory experiments, the researchers applied these nanoparticles to lung cancer and cervical cancer cell lines, with promising results. The next frontier for this groundbreaking research is clinical development, promising hope for a future where cancer detection and treatment are not only more effective but also less invasive.
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