Russian scientists develop microparticles capable of destroying nearly 50% of cancer cells

Russian Scientists Develop Microparticles Capable of Destroying Nearly 50% of Cancer Cells

Russian scientists at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University have developed gold and iron microparticles that can destroy nearly 50% of cancer cells when exposed simultaneously to an infrared laser and a magnetic field.

According to TV BRICS, the researchers created disc-shaped microparticles consisting of alternating layers of gold and iron. Gold allows the particles to be heated by a laser, while iron enables them to respond to a magnetic field.

Tests on liver cancer cells showed that:

• Particles with a gold outer layer destroyed 29% of cells when exposed to a laser.
• Iron-coated particles killed around 17% when exposed to a magnetic field.
• Simultaneous exposure to both a laser and magnetic field increased the destruction rate to nearly 50%.

This technology could be used following tumour removal surgery by applying a gel containing microparticles to the surgical site and then exposing it to a laser and magnetic field. This approach could help destroy remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

The development combines photothermal therapy and magnetic stimulation to damage cancer cells.