DSTI-NMU Nanomedicine Platform
The DSTI-NMU Nanomedicine Platform is located on the Missionvale campus as part of the Medical School and the Faculty of Health Sciences. This Platform is strategically positioned to effectively address health-related matters and to collaborate with clinical departments, departments of different faculties, nano scientists, and business entities. This initiative enables researchers to design research projects that address real life challenges encountered in clinical settings, empowering scientists with innovative skills to focus on existing health needs. This strategic emphasis is aimed at fostering innovation and ultimately facilitating the pathway to commercialization and to have a community awareness.
The Nanomedicine Platform offers an optimal environment for students to pursue their MSc or PhD studies in Nano Medicine. The main research focus areas are:
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Nanomedicine for wound healing, focusing on diabetic foot ulcers and burn wounds;
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Nanomedicine for cancer;
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Nanomedicine in diagnostics using lateral flow devices;
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Nanomedicine for infectious diseases focusing on tuberculosis and HIV.
With Prof Saartjie Roux as interim Chair, Dr Mpho Ngoepe as researcher, Dr Stiaan Schoeman and Dr Oluwafemi Obisesan as postdocs, students have enough expertise to give them the expected guidance. Further are the Platform well supported by Ms Zibuyisile Methula (laboratory technician) and Ms Norma Koza (administrator and research assistant). The Platform have different collaborators at NMU to strengthen their interdisciplinary approach and also national and international collaborators.