Researchers at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) have developed cancer optotheranostics based on purple photosynthetic bacteria (PPSB). According to the scientists, natural PPSB contain l ight-harvesting nanocomplexes in their membrane, which utilize the bio-optical window of near infra-red (NIR) light. These NIR-driven microbes can be used as theranostic agents in the management of deeply located tumors.
Advantages of PPSB-based cancer theranostics High tumor specificity Non-pathogenicity Sufficient anti-cancer efficacy Ease of cultivation in cheap culture medium Does not require chemical agents or genetic manipulations for activation Multifunctional Photothermal conversion Reactive oxygen species generation Contrast in photoacoustic effect The study warrants further application of this theranostic agent in the management of refractory cancers. The…
