Using Salt Nanoparticles to Target and Destroy Cancer Cells

Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and current cancer treatments often come with severe side effects. Researchers have been exploring various alternatives to traditional cancer treatments, and one promising avenue is the use of nanoparticles. A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that Salt Nanoparticles may be a potent tool in the fight against cancer.

In the study, researchers from the University of Georgia investigated the effects of salt nanoparticles on both cancer cells and healthy cells. The team used a type of salt called calcium carbonate to create nanoparticles that were about 50 nanometers in size. They then tested the nanoparticles on human breast cancer cells and healthy breast cells.

The results showed that the salt nanoparticles were highly toxic to cancer cells, while healthy cells remained largely unharmed. The nanoparticles were able to penetrate the cancer cells and disrupt their internal structure, leading to cell death. Additionally, the nanoparticles triggered the release of calcium ions, which further contributed to the destruction of the cancer cells.

The researchers also tested the salt nanoparticles on mice with breast cancer tumors. They found that the nanoparticles were able to significantly reduce the size of the tumors and improve the survival rate of the mice. Furthermore, the nanoparticles did not appear to have any negative side effects on the animals.

The use of salt nanoparticles for cancer treatment has several advantages over traditional chemotherapy. Salt nanoparticles are less toxic to healthy cells, making them less likely to cause side effects such as hair loss and nausea. Additionally, the nanoparticles are biodegradable, which means they will break down over time and be eliminated from the body without causing harm.

While more research is needed to fully understand the potential of salt nanoparticles for cancer treatment, this study provides promising results. The use of nanoparticles in medicine is a rapidly growing field, and salt nanoparticles may prove to be a valuable tool in the fight against cancer.

Citation: University of Georgia. (2020, January 28). Salt nanoparticles can kill cancer cells. Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2020-01-salt-nanoparticles-toxic-cancer-cells.html.