Prelims: Current events of national and internati0nal importance | Health
Why in News?
Recently, researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, in collaboration with BARC, Mumbai, developed advanced light‑driven multifunctional nanobots for targeted breast cancer therapy.
- Breast Cancer – Leading cause of cancer mortality among women worldwide.
- Limitations of Chemotherapy – Severe side effects, drug resistance, damage to healthy tissues due to poor tumor penetration and non‑specific drug distribution.
- Current Nanomedicines – Passive tumour accumulation, limited tissue penetration and poor spatial control.
- Innovation – Stimulus‑responsive nanorobots controlled by near‑infrared (NIR) light, pH, or enzymes → precise therapy with minimal toxicity.
Research Highlights
- Nanobot Design
- These nanobots are built using upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs).
- UCNPs change near infrared (NIR) light into heat energy.
- The heat allows nanobots to move in a specific direction, a process called phototaxis (movement guided by light).
- Photosensitizer – Produces harmful oxygen molecules (ROS) when exposed to near infrared (NIR) light.
- Folic Acid – Helps nanobots target breast cancer cells with folate receptors.
Mechanism
- A 980 nm NIR laser heats polydopamine, creating a temperature gradient.
- Nanobots move toward the laser source.
- Heat plus ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) generation together kill cancer cells.
Results
- Therapeutic Efficacy – Proven in cell studies and breast tumour mice.
- Outcome – Stronger tumour inhibition than single treatments.
Significance
- Fuel‑Free Nanobot – NIR‑responsive, integrates active light‑guided movement with targeted delivery.
- Precision Medicine – Externally controlled, minimally invasive, localized therapeutic action.
- Future Potential – Platform for advanced cancer therapies with reduced systemic toxicity.
Reference
PIB | Breast Cancer Therapy
