Reversed phase chromatography used to identify cancer-fighting agent

Scientists in South Korea have used reversed phase chromatography to find a new anti-metastatic agent capable of fighting cancerous cells.

A team of experts led by Dr Jong Seog Ahn from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) identified Fusarisetin after examining a fungus found in Korean soil with the help of a 3D cancer cell culture assay system.

The novel compound has a unique carbon skeletal backbone structure that is unlike anything else in nature and, as it displays no cell toxicity, boasts anti-metastatic properties suitable for working against cancer.

Its operational mechanism also suggests that it may offer new potential in uncovering novel targets for cancer drugs.

The team used flash reversed-phase column chromatography in their work, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

Speaking to the news provider, Dr Ahn said: "Cancer usually kills because it spreads throughout the body, but the new material shows promise of hindering such developments."

KRIBB's scientists conduct a variety of research in the fields of bionanotechnology, ageing, the brain, biomonitoring and integrative omics.