Wireless Electrical-Molecular Quantum Signalling for Cancer Cell Induced Death

Abstract

AbstractQuantum biological tunnelling for electron transfer (QBET) is involved in controlling cellular behaviour. Control of electrical-molecular communication could revolutionise the development of disruptive technologies for understanding and modulating electrically induced molecular signalling. Current communication technology is not appropriate for interfacing with cells at a spatial/temporal level equivalent to the native biological signalling. This limits our ability to tune cell function by controlling single molecular events. Here, we merge wireless nano-electrochemical tools with cancer cells. Gold-bipolar nanoelectrodes functionalised with redox active species were developed as electric field stimulated bio-actuators, that we term bio-nanoantennae. We show that a remote electrical input regulates electron transport between the redox molecules on the bio-nanoantennae in a selective manner. The wireless modulation of electron transport results in QBET triggering apoptosis in patient-derived cancer cells, representing electrical-induced induced controlled molecular signalling. Transcriptomics data highlight the electric field-induced nanoantenna targets the cancer cells in a unique manner. The insight concerning action and functional nanomaterials opens a plethora of applications in healthcare. This approach may lead to new quantum-based medical diagnostics and treatments, as well as a fundamental understanding of biological physics.