Source: IE
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: An IISc Bengaluru–led breakthrough on magnetic nanobots for targeted cancer therapy has gained global attention after Dr Ambarish Ghosh won the 2025 New York Academy of Sciences–Tata Sons Transformation Prize.
About Nanobots:
What they are?
- Nanobots (nanorobots) are microscopic machines at the nanometre scale designed to operate inside the human body for targeted drug delivery, diagnosis, imaging, and therapy, especially in hard-to-reach tissues like deep tumours.
How they work?
- IISc’s nanobots are helical, bacteria-inspired nanoswimmers that move like a corkscrew or propeller.
- A magnetic component (iron) allows external magnetic fields to guide and steer them precisely through blood, dense tissue, and even cells.
- Drugs are coated on the surface or tip, enabling direct delivery to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
- They can also generate localized heat (>42°C) under magnetic fields to destroy cancer cells (magnetic hyperthermia).
Key features:
- Targeted precision: Preferentially bind to cancer cells, reducing collateral damage to healthy tissues.
- Deep tissue penetration: Can access dense and poorly vascularised tumours invisible to conventional scans.
- Multifunctionality: Act as drug carriers, therapeutic agents, and imaging beacons (visible under MRI).
- Biocompatible materials: Made of silica and iron, materials already used safely in medical applications.
- Broad applicability: Proven effective against ovarian and breast cancer cells, bacteria, and dental infections; potential use in dentistry and regenerative medicine.
Limitations:
- Currently validated mainly on cell cultures and animal models; human clinical trials pending.
- Requires extensive safety validation and approvals.
- Market adoption depends on mass production, affordability, and clinician acceptance.
