Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a novel approach to detect and kill cancer cells.
key points
- Scientists have created hybrid nanoparticles made of gold and copper sulfide that can kill cancer cells using heat and detect them using sound waves.
- This approach is particularly effective for cells in solid tumor masses.
- Early detection and starting treatment is important in the fight against cancer.
- Copper sulfide nanoparticles are used in cancer diagnosis while gold nanoparticles can be used to target cancer cells.
- In the present study, the IISc team decided to combine these two in hybrid nanoparticles.
- According to the Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics (IAP) of IISc, these particles have photothermal, oxidative stress and photoacoustic properties.
- When these hybrid nanoparticles are exposed to light, they can kill cancer cells by absorbing the light and generating heat.
- These nanoparticles also produce singlet oxygen atoms which are toxic to cancer cells.
- The researchers said the nanoparticles could also help in cancer diagnosis.
- Previously developed nanoparticles have limited application due to their large size.
- In the current study, researchers tested this nanoparticle on lung cancer and cervical cancer cells in the laboratory.
- They now plan to take the results forward for clinical development.
Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
- The Indian Institute of Science was established in 1909 by a partnership between industrialist Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Mysore royal family, and the Government of India.
- The Indian Institute of Science is India’s leading educational institution for scientific research and higher education.
- It is located in Bangalore.
- This institute is counted among the best such institutes in India.