IISc scientists develop novel approach to detect and kill cancer cells

IISc scientists develop novel approach to detect and kill cancer cells

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Msc

In the news:

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc) scientists have developed a new approach to potentially detect and kill cancer cells, especially those which form a solid tumour mass.

Hybrid nanoparticles to detect and kill cancer cells:

• Hybrid nanoparticles made of gold and copper sulphide, which can kill cancer cells using heat, and enable their detection using sound waves.
• These hybrid nanoparticles have photothermal, oxidative stress, and photoacoustic properties.
  • Gold nanoparticles, which can be chemically modified to target cancer cells, have shown anticancer effects.
• When light is shined on these hybrid nanoparticles, they absorb the light and generate heat, which can kill cancer cells. These nanoparticles also produce singlet oxygen atoms that are toxic for the cells.
• The nanoparticles can also help diagnose certain cancers.
  • Existing methods such as standalone CT and MRI scans require trained radiology professionals to decipher the images.
  • The photoacoustic property of the nanoparticles allows them to absorb light and generate ultrasound waves, which can be used to detect cancer cells with high contrast once the particles reach them.
  • The ultrasound waves generated from the particles allow for a more accurate image resolution as sound waves scatter less when they pass through tissues compared to light.
  • Scans created from the generated ultrasound waves can also provide better clarity and can be used to measure the oxygen saturation in the tumour, boosting their detection.
• Earlier nanoparticles are not small enough to show these properties, the IISc team used a novel reduction method to deposit tiny seeds of gold onto the copper sulphide surface (< 8mm).
• The small size of nanoparticles will allow them to leave the body naturally without getting accumulated in the tissues.

Cancer status in India: https://optimizeias.com/cancer-in-india-a-status-report/