Scientists at Rice University have found a way to identify and explode individual cancer cells by using lasers to make ‘nanobubbles.’
Physicists Jason Hafner and Dmitri Lapotko created the nanobubbles by putting gold nanoparticles into cancer cells then zapping them with short laser bursts. Varying laser power tunes the bubbles to perform different tasks ranging from diagnostics to destruction.
"The bubbles work like a jackhammer," Lapotko said. The nanotech approach proved successful on leukemia cells and cells from head and neck cancers in experiments at Rice University.
Cancer-Exploding Lasers
Nanobubble Bursts Target and Kill Cancer Cells Like a Jackhammer
Trend Themes
1. Nanobubble Technology - The use of nanobubbles created by lasers presents an opportunity for targeted cancer cell identification and destruction.
2. Laser-based Cancer Therapies - The development of laser-based therapies for cancer treatment offers a disruptive innovation in the medical field.
3. Nanoparticle Applications in Medicine - Utilizing gold nanoparticles in cancer cells opens up possibilities for diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Technology - The medical technology industry can benefit from incorporating nanobubble technology and laser-based therapies in cancer treatment.
2. Pharmaceutical - Pharmaceutical companies can explore the use of nanoparticles in developing new treatment options for various types of cancer.
3. Biotechnology - Biotech companies can leverage the potential of nanobubble technology to improve cancer diagnostics and therapeutic approaches.