Cancer Therapy Nanorobots fight cancer

Researchers are developing nanorobots for cancer treatment

17.02.2012

Scientists at Harvard University in Boston (USA) have developed a nanorobot that will help fight cancer in the future. The tiny, folded DNA robot is 2000 times thinner than a human hair and can still be programmed specifically to specific functions.

The DNA nanorobot can specifically target cancer cells and initiate their controlled cell death. As the scientists of the Hansjorg Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University in the current issue of the journal „Science“ To date, the nanorobot has been tested exclusively in cell cultures, but with convincing success. The researchers have succeeded in their laboratory experiments with the help of the nanorobot the programmed self-destruction of leukemia and lymphoma cells bring about.

Nanorobots modeled after the human immune system
The nanorobot of the US scientists is modeled after the body's own immune system and consists of folded DNA. The nano robot has the shape of a hexagonal cage, but in an incredibly tiny version. Only 45 nanometers (millionths of a millimeter) long and 35 nanometers thick is the nanorobot, which is about 2000 times thinner than a human hair. To process the genetic material, the US scientists used the so-called method of DNA origami. Using the special procedure, the two halves of the robot were folded and then joined together with customized bars. On its surface, the nanorobot has special receptors that allow it - similar to the white blood cells - to dock to specific cells. The researchers can determine the target cells of the nanorobots by its construction. In the laboratory experiments, the robot was thus able to recognize and dock certain cancer cells (leukemia or lymphoma cells). When docked to the cancer cells, the structure of the nanorobot will change, opening the nanocage and releasing the contained drugs.

Nanorobot triggers programmed cell death of cancer cells
Theoretically, a wide variety of active ingredients can be transported in the tiny cage. The US researchers led by investigator Shawn Douglas from Harvard University filled in their experiments the cargo space of the nanorobot with, among other molecular messengers that cause the programmed cell death of cancer cells. In the case of cancer cells, this self-destruct program of the cells is usually disturbed, preventing efficient control by the immune system. The molecular messenger was transported directly to the cancer cells with the help of the nanorobot and was able to develop its full effect here. Although the messenger had to be adapted to the respective type of cancer, but then in the laboratory experiments, the successful self-destruction of leukemic and lymphoma cells were observed, the US researchers report. The procedure could also be applied to other cells, whereby very different actions could be triggered specifically in the desired cell types, explained Shawn Douglas and colleagues. In principle, according to the US scientists, a tailor-made version of the nanorobot can be developed for each target cell in the organism.

Further research into the use of nanorobots is required
In a next research step, the US scientists now want to test their nanorobot in the living organism. Studies for use in experimental animals are currently in preparation, explained Shawn Douglas. However, the researchers assume that here „probably an improved design“ is required, „to ensure stable circulation and function in the bloodstream.“ In addition, the production of the robot made of folded DNA is far too expensive. So would have to „the manufacturing cost of the device“ still sink significantly before it can be thought about a broader therapeutic use. However, research in the field of nanocarriers for the targeted use of active substances against certain cells is currently also in full swing at other research facilities, so that additional results may already be expected in the near future. (Fp)

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