Molecular Nanomotors for Targeted Cancer Therapies Using Light Activation
Official title: In Silico Study and Optimization of Molecular Nanomotors for Membrane Photopharmacology
Funded at California State University Long Beach · NIH-11333265 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team is developing tiny light-activated motors that can disrupt cancer cell membranes to help treat cancer with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Long Beach NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Long Beach, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $147,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149410-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333265 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancer who may benefit from future light-activated therapies and related nanomotor-based approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancers or conditions that could be addressed by photopharmacology may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses computer models to understand how a light-driven nanomotor interacts with cell membranes. The team will design and add functional groups to improve how well these motors work and to increase their drug-like properties. The goal is to move from theoretical models toward designs that could be tested in real biological systems, with potential applications in cancer treatment and infectious disease against resistant bacteria. The work aims to clarify the mechanism of membrane disruption and how to control it precisely with light. If successful, it could open a new therapeutic approach that complements existing cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more selective cancer treatments with fewer side effects by using light to control drug activity at the target site.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work demonstrated membrane disruption by photopharmacology concepts, but this project remains at the design/optimization stage.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tapavicza, Enrico — California State University Long Beach
- Study coordinator: Tapavicza, Enrico
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.