Quantum Bioelectrochemistry for The Treatment of Hard-To-Treat Cancers

Quantum biological tunnelling for electron transfer (QBET) is involved in controlling essential functions for life such as cellular respiration and homoeostasis. Understanding and controlling the quantum effects in biology has the potential to modulate biological functions. Here we merge wireless nano-electrochemical tools with cancer cells for control over electron transfer to trigger cancer cell death. Gold bipolar nanoelectrodes functionalized with redox-active cytochrome <i>c</i> and a redox mediator zinc porphyrin were developed as electric-field-stimulating bio-actuators, termed bio-nanoantennae. We show that a remote electrical input of alternating current (A.C.) at high frequency (3MHz) and low voltages (0.65V/cm) regulates electron transport between these redox molecules, which results in quantum biological tunnelling for electron transfer to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells from various hard-to-treat tumors. Transcriptomics data show that the electric-field-induced bio-nanoantenna targets the cancer cells in a unique manner, representing electrically induced control of molecular signaling. Arrhenius-kinetics confirmed the occurrence of moderate QBET in the system. <i>In vivo </i>studies in tumor bearing rats are underway to demonstrate first example of quantum medicine to treat cancers.