TLDR:
– Scientists have developed a new treatment that uses nanorobots to target and destroy cancer cells.
– The nanorobots are made of DNA and are programmed to seek out and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking new treatment that uses nanorobots to target and destroy cancer cells, potentially offering a more effective and less toxic alternative to traditional cancer treatments. The nanorobots, made of DNA, are designed to seek out cancer cells and deliver drugs directly to them, while leaving healthy cells unharmed, according to a study published in the journal Science Robotics.
The researchers used a technique called DNA origami to create tiny rectangular nanorobots with a size of just 90 nanometers by 60 nanometers. These nanorobots were then loaded with a chemotherapy drug called thrombin, which is normally used to treat blood clotting conditions. The thrombin was attached to the nanorobots using a DNA linker that was designed to be released when it comes into contact with cancer cells.
When tested in mice with human breast cancer, the nanorobots were shown to selectively target and attack cancer cells, resulting in tumor growth suppression. The nanorobots were able to circulate in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours, specifically targeting the tumor sites, and effectively delivering the thrombin drug to the cancer cells. The treatment was also well-tolerated by the mice, with no signs of acute side effects or inflammation.
The use of nanorobots in cancer treatment offers several advantages over traditional therapies. Firstly, the nanorobots are highly targeted, only attacking cancer cells and leaving healthy cells untouched. This reduces the risk of side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy drugs that often damage healthy cells along with cancer cells. Secondly, the nanorobots can circulate in the bloodstream for an extended period of time, ensuring that drugs are delivered specifically to tumor sites where they are needed most.
The researchers believe that this new treatment could revolutionize cancer therapy and lead to more effective and personalized treatment options. The next step for the research team is to conduct further tests in larger animal models before moving on to human clinical trials. If successful, this nanorobot-based treatment could represent a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer.
