Wireless electrical–molecular quantum signalling for cancer cell apoptosis

Quantum biological tunnelling for electron transfer is involved in

controlling essential functions for life such as cellular respiration and

homoeostasis. Understanding and controlling the quantum effects in

biology has the potential to modulate biological functions. Here we merge

wireless nano-electrochemical tools with cancer cells for control over

electron transfer to trigger cancer cell death. Gold bipolar nanoelectrodes

functionalized with redox-active cytochrome c and a redox mediator

zinc porphyrin are developed as electric-field-stimulating bio-actuators,

termed bio-nanoantennae. We show that a remote electrical input regulates

electron transport between these redox molecules, which results in

quantum biological tunnelling for electron transfer to trigger apoptosis

in patient-derived cancer cells in a selective manner. Transcriptomics

data show that the electric-field-induced bio-nanoantenna targets the

cancer cells in a unique manner, representing electrically induced control

of molecular signalling. The work shows the potential of quantum-based

medical diagnostics and treatments.