These nanoparticles kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones

Researchers have created tiny metal-based particles that push cancer cells over the edge while leaving healthy cells mostly unharmed. The particles work by increasing internal stress in cancer cells until they trigger their own shutdown process. In lab tests, they killed cancer cells far more effectively than healthy ones. The technology is still early-stage, but it opens the door to more precise and gentler cancer treatments.

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Researchers led by RMIT University have developed extremely small particles called nanodots that can destroy cancer cells while largely leaving healthy cells unharmed. The particles are made from a metal-based compound and represent a possible new direction for cancer treatment research.

The work is still in its early stages and has only been tested in laboratory-grown cells. It has not yet been studied in animals or humans. Even so, the findings suggest a promising strategy that takes advantage of vulnerabilities already present in cancer cells.

The nanodots are created from molybdenum oxide, a compound derived from molybdenum. This rare metal is commonly used in electronics and industrial alloys.

According to the study's lead researcher Professor Jian Zhen Ou and Dr. Baoyue Zhang from RMIT's School of Engineering, small changes to the chemical structure of the particles caused them to release reactive oxygen molecules. These unstable oxygen forms can damage vital cell components and ultimately trigger cell death.

In laboratory experiments, the nanodots killed cervical cancer cells at three times the rate seen in healthy cells over a 24-hour period. Notably, the particles worked without requiring light activation, which is uncommon for similar technologies.