Scientists have developed what they describe as the first ‘quantum therapeutic’ – electrically-charged gold nanoparticles that trigger glioblastoma cells to self-destruct.
Researchers unveiled the potential game-changer in the fight against hard-to-treat brain tumours last month.
It is thought it could be developed into a spray treatment used during surgery.
A multidisciplinary team led by the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham in the UK harnessed the power of bio-nanoantennae, gold nanoparticles coated with specialised redox-active molecules.
When exposed to electrical stimulation, these tiny structures induce programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in cancer cells.
The findings, published in Nature Nanotechnology, shed light on a promising avenue for treating aggressive brain cancers.
With a mere 6.8% five-year survival rate and an estimated average survival period of just eight months from diagnosis long confounded medical professionals.
The key breakthrough is the bio-nano antennae’s unprecedented precision in targeting only glioblastoma cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
This level of accuracy could pave the way for developing a spray treatment that can be used during surgical resection of the tumour.
Described as the first ‘quantum therapeutic’, this innovative approach taps into the potential of quantum signalling to combat cancer.
Dr Frankie Rawson, who led the research, explained: ‘Cancer cells succumb to the intricate dance of electrons, orchestrated by the enchanting world of quantum biology. With the advent of bio-nanoantennae, this vision of real-world quantum therapies edges closer to reality. By precisely modulating quantum biological electron tunnelling, these ingenious nanoparticles create a symphony of electrical signals that trigger the cancer cells' natural self-destruction mechanism.’
The research team has already secured MRC impact acceleratory funding and filed a patent for their discovery, marking the first steps toward translating this technology into clinical applications.
However, rigorous research and validation are still required to ensure the safety and effectiveness of bio-nanoantennae for human use.
Dr Ruman Rahman from the School of Medicine, a co-author of the study, underscores the significance of this research, saying: ‘Treating glioblastoma tumours has long presented challenges for clinicians, and prognosis for patients is still poor, which is why any research showing the promise of a new effective treatment is hugely exciting.
‘This research has shown the possibilities presented by quantum therapeutics as a new technology to communicate with biology. The fusion of quantum bioelectronics and medicine brings us one step closer to a new treatment paradigm for disease.’
In the paper, the authors conclude: ‘This represents a wireless electrical–molecular communication tool that facilitates the killing of cancer cells.’
