Chennai: Researchers from IIT Madras, Monash University and Deakin University have developed a novel nanoinjection drug delivery system that promises safer and more effective breast cancer treatment.
The technology combines nanoarchaeosome-based drug encapsulation with silicon nanotube (SiNT)-based intracellular delivery, allowing precise targeting of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues.
 The platform delivers the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin directly into cancer cells via thermally stable nanoarchaeosomes loaded into vertically aligned SiNTs.
Laboratory experiments demonstrated strong cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells while leaving healthy fibroblasts largely unaffected.
The system also induced cell-cycle arrest, necrosis and reduced angiogenesis, achieving 23 times higher potency than free doxorubicin at lower doses, potentially reducing treatment costs and side effects.
 The design offers long-term drug release of up to 700 hours, exceptional biocompatibility and avoids the drawbacks of conventional nanocarriers such as burst release and toxicity.
The proof-of-concept has been validated in vitro and in ex ovo models, with in vivo studies planned next.
 Dr Swathi Sudhakar of IIT Madras highlighted that the technology could transform healthcare in low- and middle-income countries by enabling targeted, cost-effective cancer therapies.
The research, published in Advanced Materials Interfaces, was supported by the IIT Madras–Deakin Joint Research Initiative, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Australian Research Council.
