Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Treatment of Obesity, Cancer and Anti-microbial Resistance: Highlights of the Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre Biolabels Research Node at the University of the Western Cape
Source abstract
Abstract
Nanotechnology has recently received much interest in various fields, including medicine. South Africa (SA) was the first country in Africa to adopt the technology with the aim of enhancing the national bio-economy and global competitiveness by using innovative nanotechnology-based solutions. Since its inception in 2005 in SA, researchers have seized opportunities to increase and develop niche areas for its application in the health, energy, food, agriculture, and water sectors. We ventured into this field and have performed pioneering work on nanotechnology-based treatment strategies over the years. This perspective highlights the journey, with associated successes over the years, in order to display the impact of our nanotechnology research in health. The focus is on the nanotechnology outputs that have emanated from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC) Biolabels Research Node (BRN) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). BRN’s research interests were on nano-enabled materials for developing therapeutic agents, photothermal sensitizers, and targeted drug-delivery systems for treatment of chronic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)-Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC), Biolabels Research Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Health Platform, Diagnostic Unit, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Randburg 2194, South Africa
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7530, South Africa
Organometallics and Nanomaterials, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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