In what could mark a major leap in cancer therapy, Indian researchers have developed a simplified, one-step technique to produce tiny bowl-shaped particles — called nanocups — that can precisely destroy cancer cells using heat, without the need for surgery or harmful chemicals.
The innovation was announced by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on June 17 and published in Communications Chemistry, a journal under the Nature group.
A joint team from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, ACTREC-Tata Memorial Centre, and IIT-Bombay devised a novel method to create PEGylated semi-shells — gold-based nanocups partially coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). These nanocups are highly effective for photothermal therapy (PTT), a non-invasive treatment that uses laser light to heat and kill cancer cells.
One-step, biocompatible innovation
Typically, producing such particles required multi-step fabrication and harsh chemicals like hydrofluoric acid. But the new technique uses ZIF-8, a metal-organic framework, as a sacrificial template, and replaces harsh chemicals with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) — all done at room temperature, making the process cleaner, safer, and easier to scale.
The resulting nanoparticles are biocompatible, stable in water, and safe for intravenous use. Thanks to the PEG coating, they also exhibit longer shelf life and improved compatibility with the bloodstream.
Melting tumours with light
These nanocups absorb and scatter light in the near-infrared spectrum, which is ideal for photothermal therapy. When exposed to laser light, they rapidly convert that light into heat — enough to ablate tumours without damaging surrounding tissues.
In preclinical tests on mice with metastatic breast cancer, the treatment significantly shrunk tumours, improved survival rates, and reduced relapse, all with zero side effects.
What’s next?
Researchers suggest these nanocups could also be used in biosensing — particularly in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). They also plan to explore combining photothermal therapy with chemotherapy for more powerful and targeted cancer treatment.
With this innovation, Indian scientists are not just simplifying cancer therapy — they may be redefining it. If further clinical trials confirm these results, the humble gold nanocup could become a powerful new ally in the global fight against cancer.
