Cyborg cells help fight cancer

While pharmacists are making billions off drugs to improve the longevity of people with cancer, biomedical engineers are developing innovative products. Scientists from the University of California have taught bacteria to fight cancer.

 

Cyborg cells help fight cancer

 

Scientists have managed to create cyborgs based on bacteria and polymers. Their feature is the full participation in the metabolic process. More specifically, cyborg cells are involved in the synthesis of proteins. After all, it is protein cells that are exposed to viral infection and are able to reproduce themselves.

Клетки-киборги помогают в борьбе с раком

Some will say that before entering the body, these cyborg cells will die, passing through the complex defense mechanism of the body. But things are a little different than they seem. Thanks to polymers, bacteria are temporarily protected. And their activation occurs under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. It is irradiation that turns cyborg cells into a hydrogel matrix, mimicking the work of the extracellular matrix.

Клетки-киборги помогают в борьбе с раком

Interestingly, the stability of cyborg cells is at a very high level. They are not affected by antibiotics, pH changes and protective "tools" of the body. True, there is one drawback - cyborg cells do not know how to multiply. What reduces their effectiveness in the fight against self-developing cancer cells.

Клетки-киборги помогают в борьбе с раком

It is too early to talk about the introduction of cyborgs into the masses. This requires many years of clinical trials. In addition, the giants of the pharmaceutical industry are unlikely to like such an innovation. After all, if scientists succeed in curing cancer, then the need for other drugs will disappear.

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