Light-Activated Molecular Jackhammers Physically Tear Cancer Cells in Lab
Researchers have devised a liquidless “molecular jackhammer” approach that uses aminocyanine molecules activated by near-infrared light to mechanically tear apart cancer cell membranes. In lab cultures, the method achieved about 99% cancer cell destruction, and in mouse melanoma models some animals became cancer-free. Since the initial Nature Chemistry report in 2023, follow-up work in Advanced Science (2024) has explored many variants to target different cancers and improve tissue reach with near-infrared light. The technique is still early—human trials have not begun, safety and delivery in humans remain to be established, and although the approach may reduce resistance risks due to its mechanical action, translating findings from cells and animals to patients will be challenging.
