RGCB Researchers Develop Artificial Mirror-image Nanopores, Useful in the Early Detection of Diseases

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
In a major breakthrough, researchers at BRIC- RGCB have successfully created fully functional ‘mirror-image’ nanopores—tiny tunnel-like structures made from synthetic peptides—which can help in early detection of diseases like cancer and personalized diagnostics.

The team of researchers, led by Faculty scientist Dr Mahendran KR, developed these new pores, called DpPorA, which mimic natural proteins but are built from mirror-image peptides, meaning their structures are flipped like a reflection in a mirror.

Computer simulations confirmed that these mirror-image pores are exact structural opposites of the natural versions and also make them more stable and selective than their natural counterparts. It is published in the latest edition of Nature Communications journal.

Furthermore, they tuned their design to create even better, sophisticated pores that allow specific molecules to pass through, while blocking others. Using these advanced nanopores, we could detect a wide variety of biomolecules—from small sugar rings to full-length proteins. It opens the door for early detection of diseases like cancer and personalised diagnostics,” explained Dr Mahendran.

The researchers also tested how these peptides interact with living cells. Remarkably, they found that the mirror molecules selectively damaged cancer cells—while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This suggests these synthetic pores could potentially be developed into new cancer therapies. In short, this innovative work combines cutting-edge chemistry, synthetic nanotechnology, and cancer biology to create powerful tools that could transform both diagnostics and nanobiotechnology.

Hailing the breakthrough as significant, RGCB Director Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana said it will greatly aid in wound healing, muscle repair, and immune function. “More importantly, it will help in early detection of diseases and customised diagnostics. It has huge potential to develop into new cancer treatments without harming healthy cells, as well as for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.”

The work was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Harsha Bajaj’s group (CSIR NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram), Dr. Ulrich Kleinekathöfer’s group (Constructor University, Germany), and Dr. Radhika Nair’s group (Centre for Human Genetics, Bengaluru).

The research study was supported by grants from the Department of Biotechnology, Department of Science and Technology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Govt. of India.