Nano-Battery Treatment

1. Operation

Thanks to the use of small nano-biobatteries (Figures Left), consisting of small carbon rods containing an enzyme (glucose oxidase) and hydrogen peroxide, we aim to develop a cancer-selective treatment. In collaboration with the University of Cambridge (Dr. R Tomov, Materials Chemistry Group), we have produced 50-100 nm small nano-biobatteries and demonstrated their functionality.

We have coupled these batteries to an antibody (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen). As a result, these batteries attach to the cell wall of a cancer cell. The glucose present in the blood activates the batteries, causing a current to flow on the cell wall where these batteries are attached (Figures Right). When this occurs, it damages the cancer cells and makes them more vulnerable to other treatments and the immune system.

2. What are the results so far?

We have manufactured the batteries and coupled them to PSMA. Using electron microscopy, we have demonstrated that a successful PSMA-bio-battery complex has been produced.

3. We need your help

We now want to demonstrate in the laboratory that the batteries damage cancer cells (with PSMA receptor). We want to approach this in a project-based manner. We expect that after about a year, we can prove that our idea works in the laboratory (in vitro). However, substantial resources (250k€) are needed to achieve this. For example, we need 50k€ to contract the researcher from Cambridge.

Afterwards, we want to show that cancer cells can also be destroyed in animal models using these small batteries.

Therefore, please make your contribution via our ANBI foundation "Nano Iron Ribbon" with reference to 'bio-batteries'.