Researchers in Russia have reported a new approach to targeting cancer cells using silver nanoparticles. This development was announced by the press service of Tomsk Polytechnic University and highlights a method that could broaden the tools available for cancer therapy.
Silver nanoparticles are a staple in nanotechnology because they are straightforward to produce. Their properties arise from the structure of solutions used in their creation, and in recent years these tiny particles have been explored for medical applications. The team at Tomsk Polytechnic University, together with collaborators from other institutions, managed to create silver nanoparticles smaller than 100 nanometers through irradiation with an accelerated electron beam. Further investigation indicates these particles possess multiple biological activities that warrant attention.
One key finding is their pronounced cytotoxicity against cancer cells. In laboratory experiments across a range of cell types, including those derived from prostate cancer, colon cancer, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer, the nanoparticles demonstrated the ability to induce cell death in cancerous cells while showing comparatively limited effects on healthy cells.
Experts describe the mechanism as triggering a controlled form of cell death known as apoptosis. The dying cells are fragmented into compact fragments that surrounding tissues and immune cells can readily absorb. This process avoids the widespread inflammation sometimes associated with other forms of cell death, according to Evgeny Plotnikov, one of the study’s contributors. The observation aligns with a growing understanding that targeted nanoparticle therapies can initiate cell death with minimized collateral damage — Tomsk Polytechnic University press service.
Additionally, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit stability in aqueous environments and can remain active within biological systems for extended periods. Researchers emphasize that the particles preferentially affect rapidly dividing cancer cells while sparing a majority of normal, non-dividing cells, which is essential for reducing toxicity in potential treatments.
The researchers express cautious optimism that this breakthrough could become a component of multimodal cancer therapies. A combination of silver nanoparticle treatment with existing modalities may enhance effectiveness and offer new avenues for managing various cancer types, subject to further validation and clinical testing. The study contributes to a growing field of nanomedicine that seeks to harness nanoscale properties to improve outcomes for patients worldwide, including those in North America.
In a broader sense, the work underscores how advanced materials science can intersect with biology to address difficult medical challenges. As laboratories continue to refine nanoparticle synthesis, behavior in biological systems, and delivery methods, the potential for safer, more targeted cancer therapies expands — Tomsk Polytechnic University press service.