Page 14 - Thetha Issue 6

INNOVATION

Life-changing

innovations in

Nanomedicine

A passion for pioneering health technology consulting company, Nabio Consulting (Pty) Ltd.
is what drives Mandela University’s Dr Steven His first major task at Nelson Mandela University was
Mufamadi. By Heather Dugmore. to build a nanomedicine laboratory from scratch on the
Medical School’s Missionvale Campus. It was completed in
A master’s and PhD students from different disciplines,
August this year.
new research chair in nanomedicine – the
He has developed a transdisciplinary platform for
DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform – was
launched in the Faculty of Health Sciences
including pharmacy, physiology, environmental health
last year as part of the Nelson Mandela
and medical laboratory science and has also established
University Medical School.
final year students in the Department of Pharmacy.
“My aim is to create a platform to significantly advance an elective course in pharmaceutical nanotechnology for
nanotechnology in South Africa,” says Dr Mufamadi, who Initial research areas of the Chair offer exciting insights
was appointed head of the Chair in October 2021. into unparalleled possibilities, thanks to science and
“I’m obsessed with nano and, over the years, have technology.
developed strong local and international networks from These include innovative treatments for breast cancer,
which to develop partnerships that can work on life- tackling pollution with robotics and synthetic blood.
changing innovations.”
Dr Mufamadi has served as a consultant for universities, Environmental Health Project Air Purifier
government departments, regulatory authorities and (robotics)
pharmaceutical companies, locally and internationally. He “We want to create a robot that moves around and cleans
is the founder and managing director of his nanomedicine the environment, by sucking in polluted air, including air

14 | Thetha Edition 6 | 2022