In a pioneering advancement in nanobiotechnology, scientists from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) and collaborating institutions have successfully engineered synthetic “mirror-image” nanopores that could transform early cancer detection and pave the way for personalized diagnostics and treatments.

The research, recently published in Nature Communications, introduces a new class of nanopores called DpPorA, created from mirror-image peptides. Unlike naturally occurring proteins, these synthetic pores resist degradation, remain highly stable, and can discriminate between a wide variety of biomolecules — from small sugars to full-length proteins — with exceptional precision.

Breakthrough in Cancer Diagnostics

The innovation holds immense promise for early detection of cancer biomarkers in blood and plasma samples. The nanopores enable label-free, ultra-sensitive sensing, reducing the need for complex laboratory preparation. This advancement could lead to faster, more accurate, and less invasive cancer screening methods.

Laboratory studies have also revealed that these mirror-image peptides display selective action against cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, opening new avenues for therapeutic applications alongside diagnostics.

A Step Toward Personalized Medicine

The ability to tailor the nanopores’ size, charge, and binding affinity makes them adaptable for different disease biomarkers, offering a pathway to personalized medicine. Such flexibility could revolutionize how doctors design diagnostic tests and treatments based on individual patient profiles.

Collaboration and Support

The breakthrough was achieved through collaboration between Dr. Mahendran K.R.’s group at RGCB, Dr. Harsha Bajaj’s team at CSIR-NIIST (Thiruvananthapuram), Dr. Ulrich Kleinekathofer’s group at Constructor University (Germany), and Dr. Radhika Nair’s group at the Centre for Human Genetics (Bengaluru).

The work was supported by major Indian science agencies including the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).

Quotes from Researchers

“With 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 personalized diagnostics.”
— Dr. Mahendran K.R., Principal Investigator, RGCB

“This innovation provides a versatile platform not only for cancer detection but also for potential therapeutic interventions. It is a leap toward the integration of diagnostics and treatments in a single technology.”
— Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, RGCB

Looking Ahead

The next phase of research will involve testing these nanopores in real patient samples, developing portable diagnostic devices, and exploring their therapeutic applications in oncology and beyond.

This innovation underscores India’s growing leadership in cutting-edge medical biotechnology and its potential to bring global impact in cancer care and precision medicine.