What happened (research outcome)
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali (an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, DST) developed a light-driven multifunctional nanobot for targeted breast cancer therapy. The researchers used upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) technology to convert near-infrared (NIR) light into heat and to power phototherapy functions, while also enabling light-guided directional movement (phototaxis).
The research team reported that the nanobots can: (i) convert externally applied NIR light into localized heating, (ii) generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under NIR irradiation, (iii) move directionally toward the NIR laser source, and (iv) selectively target breast cancer cells overexpressing folate receptors using folic acid surface functionalization.
Key reported trigger and mechanism details include exposure to a 980 nm NIR laser, where polydopamine in the nanobot system generates localized heating. The localized temperature gradient induces thermally driven motion, leading to phototaxis, while photothermal heating and photodynamic ROS generation work together to destroy cancer cells. The combined effect reportedly produced enhanced tumor inhibition compared with individual treatment modalities.
The journal publication is in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces with DOI 10.1021/acsami.5c20372.