Quantum biological tunneling is a phenomenon where particles can cross barriers that would normally be impassable. This phenomenon plays a role in many essential life functions, such as cellular respiration and homeostasis. Scientists are now exploring the potential of quantum biological tunneling to develop new cancer treatments. One promising approach is to use bio nanoantennae, which are gold nanoparticles functionalized with redox-active molecules. When these nanoparticles are exposed to an electric field, they can induce quantum biological tunneling for electron transfer. This can trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. In a recent study, researchers showed that bio-nanoantennae can be used to kill patient-derived cancer cells selectively. The researchers also showed that the electric-field-induced bio-nanoantenna uniquely targets the cancer cells, resulting in electrically induced control of molecular signaling. This research is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. Quantum biological tunneling offers a new way to target cancer cells without harming healthy cells. This could lead to more effective and less toxic treatments for cancer patients.
