NE HEALTH/EDUCATION BUREAU
CHENNAI, DEC 22
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), in collaboration with Monash University and Deakin University in Australia, have developed a pioneering nano-injection drug delivery platform that could redefine the way breast cancer is treated.
Researchers from @iitmadras, in collaboration with Monash University and @Deakin University, Australia, have developed a breakthrough precision nanoinjection platform that could transform breast cancer treatment.
The innovative system combines silicon nanotubes with thermally… pic.twitter.com/NYfnjk4ifX
— IIT Madras (@iitmadras) December 22, 2025
Conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapies often affect healthy cells because drugs circulate throughout the body, leading to severe side effects. Addressing this long-standing challenge, the joint research team has engineered a precision system using silicon nanotubes (SiNTs) that inject anti-cancer drugs directly into the core of cancer cells, sharply reducing collateral damage to healthy tissue.
- Nano-injection platform targets cancer cells directly, sparing healthy tissue
- Silicon nanotube system delivers drugs 23× more effectively at lower doses
- Affordable, controlled therapy could reshape future cancer care
The platform employs ultra-fine, needle-like silicon nanotubes to deliver the widely used anti-cancer drug doxorubicin specifically into breast cancer cells. Findings published in the journal Advanced Materials Interfaces reveal that the nano-injection system is 23 times more effective than conventional drug delivery methods. Its high potency allows clinicians to achieve superior outcomes using significantly lower drug doses.
A key advantage of the technology is its ability to provide sustained and controlled drug release for up to 700 hours, eliminating the sudden drug “burst” that often leads to toxicity and debilitating side effects. The silicon-based nanotubes are inherently biocompatible, removing the need for complex chemical modifications to ensure safety in the human body.
Swathi Sudhakar from IIT Madras noted that the breakthrough holds particular relevance for countries like India, where the high cost of advanced cancer treatments remains a major hurdle. By improving efficacy at lower dosages, the technology has the potential to substantially reduce treatment costs while enhancing patient comfort and quality of life.
The nano-injection system has already demonstrated success in laboratory models, where it effectively halted cancer cell proliferation and blocked the formation of new blood vessels that nourish tumors. With the technology patented and further development underway, the research team expects it to progress to clinical application within the next five years.
The innovation marks a significant step towards smarter, safer and more affordable cancer therapies, reinforcing the growing role of India-led global research collaborations in tackling critical healthcare challenges.
