[Editor in Chief Circle] Some molecules will vibrate strongly when stimulated by light. Scientists at Rice University in the United States have discovered a new method of using the properties of molecules to destroy cancer cells. The study published in Nature Chemistry showed that the effectiveness of this method on human melanoma cells cultured in the laboratory reached 99%, and half of the melanoma model mice no longer developed cancer after treatment. James Toure, a chemist at Rice University, said that this is a new generation of molecular machines called molecular "handheld drills". His laboratory had previously used nanoscale compounds with light activated paddle like atomic chains that continuously rotate in the same direction to penetrate the outer membranes of infectious bacteria, cancer cells, and drug-resistant fungi. Unlike Nobel laureate Bernard Feringa's nanoscale molecular motor drill, the molecular handheld drill adopts a completely different and unprecedented mechanism of action. Their mechanical movement speed is more than one million times faster than that of the Feilinga type motor, and they can be activated using near-infrared light instead of visible light. Near infrared light can penetrate the body more deeply than visible light, entering organs or bones without damaging tissues. Near infrared light can penetrate 10 centimeters deep into the human body, while visible light used to activate nanodiamonds can penetrate only half a centimeter deep. This "handheld drill" is actually an amino anthocyanin molecule, a type of fluorescent synthetic dye used for medical imaging. Research has found that the atoms of this molecule can vibrate uniformly when stimulated by near-infrared light, forming a plasma that leads to the rupture of the cell membrane of cancer cells. The study also found that the molecular plasma has an arm on one side. Although this arm does not contribute to plasma motion, it helps anchor molecules onto the bilayer lipids of the cell membrane. Researchers say that this is the first time plasma polaritons have been used in this way to excite the entire molecule and actually generate a mechanical action to achieve a specific goal - tearing the membrane of cancer cells. This study is an innovative method of using mechanical force to treat cancer at the molecular scale. Imagine this "handheld drill" that can rotate directionally under the excitation of light, and this rotational motion can destroy its anchored bilayer lipid layer and cell membrane, thereby achieving the goal of destroying cancer cells. In addition to dealing with cancer cells, it can also penetrate the membranes of microorganisms, allowing previously ineffective drugs to enter the cells. This means that people can use molecular drill bits as the front, drill holes on the surface of bacteria, and then let antibiotics pass through the mechanical barrier of bacteria to kill opponents, thereby helping people overcome the thorny problem of antibiotic resistance. (Zhang Mengran) (Lai Xinshe)
Edit：GuoGuo Responsible editor：FangZhiYou
Source：people.cn
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