Development of a Highly Efficient Cancer Treatment Strategy using the Vibrionic-Driven Action of Synthetic Aminocyanines

Necrosis of cancer cells has been achieved through collaborative research between researchers at Texas A&M University, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Rice University using near-infrared light to induce vibrionic modes in the aminocyanines bound to the cell membrane. The investigators utilized the Vibrionic-Driven Action (VDA) technique to achieve mechanical disruption on the cell membrane.

Complete eradication of the human melanoma cells in vitro was achieved with very low concentrations of aminocyanines and low doses of light through whole-molecule vibrations carried out at subpicoseconds. Aminocyanine dyes have been previously used for photothermal and photodynamic therapies for biological and medicinal studies. The authors have been able to exploit these molecules further and assert to have been able to kill cells up to 50 times faster than previously possible with almost 10 times less concentration and 50 times lower power. They have achieved this feat through the induction of coordinated vibrations of the molecules whereas previous techniques primarily produced uncoordinated vibrations. And since all the molecules vibrated in a concerted manner to bring about the rapid disruption of the cell membrane, lower concentration and lower energy were enough.

The authors also claim to have achieved 50% efficacy for tumor removal in mouse models. Due to the nature of the molecules capable of disrupting the cell membrane through mechanical forces, they have been termed Molecular Jackhammers.

Reference:
Ayala-Orozco, C., Galvez-Aranda, D., Corona, A. et al. Molecular jackhammers eradicate cancer cells by vibronic-driven action. Nat. Chem. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-023-01383-y

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