Revolutionizing the realm of cancer treatment, researchers at the University of Sydney’s Nano Institute are pioneering the advancement of nanorobots designed to deliver targeted drugs directly to cancer cells. This groundbreaking work, highlighted by DPA and reported by Agerpres, promises to enhance the precision and effectiveness of cancer therapies while minimizing side effects.
Utilizing the innovative “DNA origami method,” scientists Minh Tri Luu and Shelley wickham are harnessing the natural folding properties of DNA to create intricate biological structures.Their latest study, published in the prestigious journal Science Robotics, showcases the creation of over 50 nanometer-scale objects, including a nanodinosaur, a dancing robot, and a miniature map of Australia, all 1,000 times smaller than a human hair.
The team’s focus is on developing modular DNA origami units,known as “voxels,” which can be reconfigured into complex three-dimensional structures. These nanostructures can be programmed for specific functions,offering a new class of nanomaterials with adaptable properties.”We’ve created materials that can change their optical properties based on the environment and nanorobots designed to seek out and destroy cancer cells,” explained Minh tri Luu.
Shelley Wickham likened the process to building with children’s engineering toys like Meccano or constructing a cat swing, but at the nanoscale using biological components. “We’re using nanoscale biology to build robots with immense potential,” she said.
to assemble the “voxels,” the researchers added extra strands of DNA to the exterior of the nanostructures, acting as “programmable binding sites.” These sites function like color-coded Velcro, designed to connect onyl with strands of matching “colors,” or complementary DNA sequences, ensuring precise control over how the “voxels” connect.
The targeted delivery of cancer therapies is one of the most promising applications of this technology. By creating nanoscale robotic carriers capable of delivering drugs directly to targeted areas of the body, the researchers aim to make cancer treatments more effective and reduce side effects. The nanobots, designed to respond to specific biological signals, ensure that drugs are released only when and where needed.
Aside from medical applications, the technology has potential in the IT and electronics industry, as well as in imaging verification technologies and medical or security diagnostic techniques. “This research opens the door to a world where nanobots can tackle a wide range of tasks, from treating the human body to building futuristic electronic devices,” said Shelley Wickham.
revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: An In-Depth Interview on Nanorobotics and Targeted Drug Delivery
Table of Contents
In a groundbreaking growth from the University of Sydney’s Nano Institute, researchers have unveiled innovative nanorobots capable of delivering drugs directly to cancer cells, promising a meaningful leap in cancer treatment efficacy. Today, we sit down wiht Dr. Minh Tri Luu, a leading scientist involved in this pioneering research, to discuss the implications of this technology and its broader applications in medicine and beyond.
Interview
Senior Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Luu. To start, can you explain what inspired the creation of nanorobots for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatments?
Dr. Minh Tri Luu: Thank you for having me. The inspiration primarily comes from the need to enhance the precision of cancer therapies. Conventional methods often affect healthy cells, leading to undesirable side effects. By using nanorobots that can specifically target cancer cells, we aim to improve treatment outcomes and minimize collateral damage.
Senior Editor: Interesting! I understand that your team utilizes the ”DNA origami method.” Could you elaborate on how this technique contributes to the development of these nanorobots?
Dr. Minh Tri Luu: Certainly! The DNA origami method allows us to harness the natural folding of DNA to create intricate structures at the nanoscale. We develop modular units known as “voxels” that can be reconfigured for various functions. This way, we can program them to change their properties depending on their environment, making them suitable for tasks like seeking and destroying cancer cells.
Senior Editor: That’s impressive! You also mentioned that these voxels act like color-coded Velcro. How does this mechanism work to form complex nanostructures?
Dr. Minh Tri luu: Great question! By adding extra strands of DNA to the outside of our nanostructures, we create programmable binding sites. These strands are designed to only connect with complementary sequences, ensuring that our voxels assemble in a highly controlled way. This precision is crucial for building effective nanorobots that can function properly in a biological setting.
Senior Editor: Aside from their applications in cancer treatment, what other potential uses do you see for this technology in different industries?
Dr. Minh Tri Luu: The technology has vast potential beyond medicine. It can be applied in IT and electronics for developing advanced devices,as well as in diagnostic techniques for medical and security purposes. Ultimately, our research paves the way for a future where nanobots might perform a wide array of functions, from treating diseases to enhancing technology.
Senior Editor: Exciting times indeed! As this research continues to evolve, what are the next steps for your team?
Dr. Minh Tri Luu: We plan to conduct further tests to refine the targeting capabilities of our nanorobots and investigate their efficacy in various cancer models. Our goal is to move towards clinical applications while ensuring safety and effectiveness in human trials in the future.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr.Luu, for sharing your insights on this groundbreaking research. It’s evident that the work being done at the University of Sydney’s Nano institute could change the landscape of cancer treatment significantly.
Dr.Minh Tri Luu: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about the possibilities ahead and grateful for the chance to share our research with your audience.
