Researchers have developed nanobots that have shown remarkable abilities to kill cancer cells in mice, potentially paving the way for a promising new cancer treatment.
Mechanism
Scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have created structures that regulate death receptors on the surface of cells, leading to the destruction of these cells.
These structures consist of six peptides (amino acid chains) arranged in a hexagonal pattern, according to a report by Interesting Engineering.
DNA Origami: The “Killing Key”
The research team employed DNA origami, a technique for creating nanoscale structures from DNA. This process allows the team to design extremely small shapes with high precision.
According to the researchers, it enables them to position DNA strands exactly where needed and attach proteins to create precise patterns and structures at the molecular level.
Using this technique, the researchers developed what they call a “killing key” that functions as intended when activated.
Björn Högberg, a professor in the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Karolinska Institute, explained in a statement, “We have managed to conceal the weapon in a way that it can only be revealed in the environment present in and around solid tumours. This means we have created a type of nanobot that can specifically target and kill cancer cells.”
Activation and Testing
The nanobot’s weapon is activated by the acidic environment, characterized by low pH, which typically surrounds cancer cells.
The nanobot’s effectiveness was tested by introducing it into animals with tumours associated with breast cancer.
Compared to mice that received an inactive version of the nanobot, there was a 70% reduction in tumour growth.
Yang Wang, a researcher in the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Karolinska Institute, stated, “We now need to investigate whether this works in more advanced cancer models that more closely resemble real human disease.”
Potential Side Effects and Future Plans
The research team must now determine the potential side effects of this method before testing it on humans.
According to the researchers, potential side effects include the risk of killing healthy cells outside the tumours if certain conditions are met.
Additionally, the researchers plan to explore the possibility of enhancing the nanobot’s targeting capabilities by attaching proteins or peptides to its surface that specifically bind to certain types of cancer.
