So far literally hundreds of new nanomaterials have been engineered or identified.  Many of these hold promise in delivery of therapeutic payloads, sensing and reporting physiological conditions in vivo, etc.  Yet to use these materials we must determine how the body will deal with them.  We are actively working to determine the pharmico-dynamics and pharmico-kinetics of nanomaterials along with their cytotoxicity and induced inflamitory response. 

The NANOTECH Center is also working to develop protocols to aid in understanding risk factors for nanomaterials in our environment. What determines safety for humans and how are such materials transported in the environment? As we move toward widespread utilization of nanotechnology in medicine, and in industry, these questions will become central in determining a reliable margin of safety.

Read about our latest work here

:C₆₀-Fullerenes: detection of intracellular photoluminescence and lack of cytotoxic effects
Nicole Levi, Roy R Hantgan, Mark O Lively, David L Carroll, Gaddamanugu L Prasad Journal of Nanobiotechnology 2006, 4:14 (14 December 2006)

For more information about how safe Nanotechnology is:

Safe Nanotechnolgy a 2009 report by the US DHHS.

2009 Expert Forecast a EU report on emerging chemical risk