Russian scientists create gold and iron microparticles that destroy up to 50 % of cancer cells

Scientists at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (BFU), a partner of TV BRICS, have developed gold and iron microparticles capable of destroying almost 50 per cent of cancer cells when exposed simultaneously to an infrared laser and a magnetic field. In the future, they could be used for localised tumour therapy, including following surgical procedures, according to the website of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

The researchers created disc-shaped microparticles consisting of alternating layers of gold and iron. The former allows the particles to be heated by a laser, whilst the latter enables them to be controlled by a magnetic field. The scientists tested the development on liver cancer cells and found that, without external stimulation, the particles did not cause the cells to die.

During the experiment, the discs with an outer layer of gold destroyed 29 per cent of the cancer cells when exposed to a laser but showed almost no response to a magnetic field. Particles with an iron coating caused the death of around 17 per cent of the cells when exposed to a magnetic field. When the researchers simultaneously applied a laser and a magnetic field to the discs with an outer layer of iron, the proportion of cancer cells killed reached almost 50 per cent.

As explained by Anna Motorzhina, a junior research fellow at the Laboratory of Biomaterials Science and 3D Bioprinting at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, such particles could be used in the future following the surgical removal of a tumour. To achieve this, the plan is to apply a special gel containing microparticles to the surgical site and then treat it with a laser and a magnetic field. This approach could help destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent a recurrence.

One of the promising methods for treating cancer is photothermal therapy. In this approach, special particles accumulate in the tumour and are heated by an infrared laser to a temperature that is harmful to cancer cells. Another method involves the use of a magnetic field, which causes the particles to vibrate and mechanically destroy the cells. The development by Russian scientists makes it possible to combine both methods of treatment.

Previously, Russian scientists created a smart gel for targeted tumour therapy. The gel solidifies at body temperature and retains the drug within the affected area.