Recently, the Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a novel approach to detect and kill cancer cells, especially those forming solid tumour masses.

They created hybrid nanoparticles composed of gold and copper sulphide with photothermal, oxidative stress, and photoacoustic properties.
- These nanoparticles can absorb light and generate heat, effectively killing cancer cells, while also producing toxic singlet oxygen atoms for added cell damage.
The nanoparticles have potential for cancer diagnosis as well.
- Their photoacoustic property allows them to absorb light and generate ultrasound waves for high-contrast cancer cell detection.
The nanoparticles can be integrated with existing detection or treatment systems, such as endoscopes used for cancer screening.
To create small, tissue-penetrating nanoparticles, the researchers used a unique reduction method to deposit tiny gold seeds onto copper sulphide surfaces.
These hybrid nanoparticles are less than 8 nm in size, making them potentially suitable for traveling inside tissues and reaching tumours.

Novel approach to detect and kill cancer cells