Indian Scientists Develop Nano-Cups to Target Cancer with Precision Heat Therapy

June 18: In a major leap for cancer treatment innovation, Indian researchers have developed a novel, simplified method to synthesize nano-cups that can effectively “burn out” cancer cells using heat, opening new possibilities in Photothermal Therapy (PTT). Developed by scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, in collaboration with experts from ACTREC–Tata Memorial Centre and IIT Bombay, the technique uses a one-step colloidal synthesis process to create PEGylated semi-shells (SS) with a unique nano-cup morphology.

Unlike traditional methods that are cumbersome, multi-stage, and rely on harsh chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid, this new approach uses ZIF-8, a biocompatible metal-organic framework, as a sacrificial template, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as a mild reducing agent. Remarkably, the entire process occurs at room temperature, eliminating the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment.

These nano-cups—partially coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG)—are engineered to strongly absorb and scatter light in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, making them ideal for penetrating biological tissues and heating cancer cells during PTT. The PEG coating also boosts the nano-cups’ blood compatibility, cryopreservability, and systemic safety, making them more viable for intravenous cancer treatment.

In preclinical trials using mice, the PEGylated semi-shells demonstrated exceptional therapeutic efficacy by completely ablating metastatic breast tumors and significantly improving survival rates, while minimizing tumor relapse. This indicates enormous potential for advanced-stage cancer therapy.

Additionally, the high photothermal conversion efficiency and the non-toxic profile of the synthesized nanoparticles suggest future applications in chemo-photothermal combination therapies and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) for precise cancer biosensing.

With its single-step simplicity, superior stability, and high therapeutic impact, this innovation marks a breakthrough in nanomedicine and reinforces India’s growing leadership in affordable, cutting-edge healthcare solutions.