Packages of DNA strands containing silver, measuring just two or three nanometres in size. Leiden physicists Donny de Bruin and Dirk Bouwmeester create these packages, which can enter living cells on their own. They then activate the silver with light, causing the cells to break down. This could, in turn, help in the fight against cancer.
The use of silver as a therapeutic agent in healthcare is currently under investigation. This precious metal is particularly intriguing due to its fluorescence, which enables it to emit significant amounts of light into its surroundings.
PhD candidate De Bruin explains that they wrap a single DNA strand around a couple of silver atoms. 'This package is so small that it can safely enter body cells without causing any harm. Once it reaches the intended location, we activate the silver with light. It triggers a "spike" of toxicity. This halts the normal DNA processes in the exposed cell, preventing the cells from multiplying. The body then disposes of the damaged cells.'
A safe alternative to tumour surgery
Research conducted with the LUMC shows that this therapy is effective on cells and tissues. Furthermore, researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute have demonstrated that it is safe. This treatment could serve as an effective alternative to the surgical removal of tumours. The light used is not harmful, allowing cells directly next to the treatment area to remain healthy. This treatment can be applied anywhere light can reach - with endoscopy equipment, that now includes an increasing number of locations in the body.
How do you maintain control over a toxic package?
The researchers developed a package that is only as toxic as necessary to ensure 100% effectiveness. They also identified the precise method for activating the silver with light during their experiments. A patent for this invention from Leiden is currently pending.
'We can precisely control the timing for activating the toxic package.'
'This innovation aligns perfectly with a significant trend in medicine: targeting,' explains De Bruin. Our immune system is increasingly capable of locating tumours in the body using special proteins known as antibodies. We can enable our small silver packets to accompany this immune response. This allows them to reach the right location in the body, where silver and light work in tandem to destroy malignant tumour cells.'
Inexpensive and widely applicable
'Producing our silver packets costs just a few tens of dollars, and they're ready for use after just one night,' says De Bruin enthusiastically. 'Our primary goal is to establish an effective treatment for skin cancer. However, the potential applications extend beyond that; this technique could target all types of solid tumours attached to organs. We are optimistic about making a significant impact on cancer treatment for patients in the future.'
About funding this project
The team of Bouwmeester and de Bruin has established the innovation within the startup Genlumina, receiving support from business partner Gerco Kanbier.
They secured a loan from LEH's ELF pre-seed fund and recently received a €200,000 grant from Biotech Booster, a national programme aimed at bringingbiotechnology innovations to society. This funding will facilitate further research into the effectiveness and safety of this innovation over the coming years.
