On October 13, according to foreign media reports, a research team at the University of Texas at Austin has recently developed a novel optical cancer treatment method that uses a combination of LED light and nanoscale tin flakes to effectively kill cancer cells while avoiding damage to healthy tissue. The findings have been published in the journal ACS Nano.
The research team stated that their goal is to develop a cancer treatment that is safe, efficient, lower in cost, and easier to scale up. By combining an LED light source with tin oxide nanosheets, the team achieved precise targeting of cancer cells with minimal impact on healthy cells.
Image source: ACS Nano
In the field of photothermal therapy for cancer, scientists have been researching how to use nanomaterials to absorb infrared light and convert it into heat energy to target and kill tumor cells. While gold nanoparticles, which have been commonly used in the past, have shown significant effects, they are expensive and involve complex manufacturing processes. In contrast, the tin oxide flakes used by the UT Austin team are less than 20 nanometers thick and less than 400 nanometers wide, offering not only superior performance but also lower manufacturing costs.
Studies show that these tin oxide flakes can efficiently generate heat when irradiated with LED light at a wavelength of 810 nanometers. In experiments, combined with near-infrared light irradiation, the survival rate of colorectal cancer cells decreased by approximately 50%, and the survival rate of skin cancer cells decreased by as much as 92%, while human skin cells were not significantly damaged. Furthermore, this material remains stable after repeated irradiation, demonstrating its potential for repeated use.
Next, the research team stated that they will continue to explore the principles of the photothermal reaction and search for more alternative materials. Simultaneously, they plan to develop a portable device to extend this technology to clinical applications. The research team stated that their ultimate goal is to make this treatment available to more patients worldwide, allowing them to potentially complete the treatment at home in the future. Patients simply need to attach a small device to their skin after the procedure, and LED light irradiation can remove residual cancer cells, significantly reducing the risk of recurrence. (Compiled)
