KUWAIT CITY, Oct 31: Scientists at Sechenov University, affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Health, have discovered a way to prevent the development of malignant tumors using “polymer nanoparticles.” It can also be used to transport special medicines into cells, according to what Russia Today reported from TASS.

A statement published by the university said: “Scientists from Sechenov University, affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Health, have found a way to prevent the growth of cancerous tumors by using (special nanopolymer) particles that can penetrate into cells and combine with oncogenic genes. These particles can also be used to transport anti-cancer drugs into cells, which increases the effectiveness of treatment and reduces side effects.”

The statement stated, “This work was carried out in the Molecular Pharmacy Laboratory, which was established within the Strategic and Academic Leadership 2030 Program.”

It is noteworthy that molecularly imprinted polymers are polymer nanoparticles (organic compounds) that contain the imprints of organic molecules. These ready-made nanopolymers can bind to printed molecules in the same way that antibodies bind to antigen receptors. As previous studies have shown, ready-made nanopolymers can be used in cancer treatment.

New experiments have shown that nanopolymers can go inside if they can stick to the cell surface for some time, greatly expanding their scope of use, reports Al-Rai daily.

In order to confirm the effectiveness of the nanopolymer particles, the scientists dealt with a receptor protein specific for skin growth, which is located on the surface of the cell, but after binding with its partner, it enters the cell and activates its growth. In certain types of cancer, mutations occur in the gene that regulates the production of this protein. Because of this, the protein is activated uncontrollably and turns into a tumor.

As experiments with cell lines have shown, nanopolymers are able to bind to this protein and prevent its development.