THE FLOREY INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH

RMIT University Develops Molybdenum Oxide Nanodots That Selectively Target Cancer Cells

- Researchers at RMIT University have developed nanodots made from molybdenum oxide that selectively kill cancer cells while largely sparing healthy tissue. - Laboratory tests demonstrated the nanodots destroyed three times more cervical cancer cells than healthy cells within 24 hours without requiring light activation. - The particles work by releasing reactive oxygen molecules that trigger programmed cell death in cancer cells, which are already under higher stress than healthy cells. - The research represents an international collaboration between RMIT University, The Florey Institute, and several Chinese institutions, though testing remains limited to laboratory-grown cells.