IIT Madras Researchers Develop Patented Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery System for Breast Cancer Treatment
New Delhi, February 12 – Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed and patented an advanced drug delivery system designed to enhance breast cancer treatment. This innovative approach uses nanomaterials to deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to affected cells, providing a safer and more efficient alternative to conventional therapies.
According to Professor Swati Sudhakar from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, the system employs biocompatible and non-toxic nanocarriers that selectively target cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue. Unlike traditional chemotherapy and radiation, which damage both cancerous and healthy cells—causing severe side effects like hair loss, nausea, and fatigue—this targeted approach significantly reduces collateral damage.
Professor Sudhakar further explained that frequent chemotherapy doses can lead to drug resistance in cancer cells, diminishing treatment effectiveness over time. In laboratory tests on breast cancer cells, researchers found that nano-archaeosomes loaded with anti-cancer drugs successfully inhibited tumor growth even at low drug doses.
Published in Leading Scientific Journals
This groundbreaking study, funded by IIT Madras and the Ministry of Education, has been featured in prestigious journals such as Materials Advances and Nanoscale Advances, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
With a patent granted last month, this innovation marks a crucial step toward transforming cancer therapy. The next phase involves testing on animal models to further assess its efficacy and safety.
By enabling precise drug delivery to tumor sites and ensuring longer drug availability, this system reduces the need for frequent doses while enhancing treatment effectiveness, potentially revolutionizing breast cancer care.
