Scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a groundbreaking tool that could transform cancer treatment by making cryosurgery significantly more precise. The innovation centers on a specialized nanoscale material that increases its fluorescence when exposed to extreme cold, effectively highlighting cancer cells during freezing procedures.
This biocompatible Covalent Organic Framework (nTG-DFP-COF) maintains its illuminating properties even in the presence of ice crystals within cells, allowing surgeons to clearly differentiate between cancerous and healthy tissues in real time. The material’s low toxicity ensures safe interaction within the body.
The technology represents a significant advancement in surgical precision for cancer treatment, potentially reducing the need for repeat surgeries while preserving more healthy tissue. By combining diagnostic imaging and treatment in one platform, the approach addresses a critical gap in current cryosurgical techniques.
“This breakthrough bridges the gap between imaging and therapy, providing surgeons with a real-time tool to visualize and remove cancer with unprecedented precision,” explains Ali Trabolsi, Professor of Chemistry at NYUAD. The research offers new possibilities for treating aggressive, hard-to-target cancers through enhanced surgical accuracy.
