DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform

29/01/2025

Happy New Year! ✨ 🎆

We are excited to announce our first webinar of 2025. This engaging webinar will feature an insightful presentation by Mr. Atherton Mutombwera, the Founder of Hutano Diagnostics. His talk, titled “Hutano Diagnostics: The Start-Up Journey,” will delve into the journey of starting a diagnostic company and the innovative solutions it offers.

Mr. Mutombwera, a proud alumnus of Nelson Mandela University, offers a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussion. Don't miss this exciting event!

Event details:
Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.
Venue: Inkanyezi Building (Bld 127) Auditorium, South Campus
Online: https://lnkd.in/d2Us2qfm

06/05/2024

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and the University of Venda (UNIVEN) are co-hosting the 3rd Annual NMMU/UNIVEN Science Awareness Outreach, which is scheduled to take place from 6-10 May 2024, in the Vhembe East and West education districts of the Limpopo province.

The primary goal of this outreach is to increase science awareness among learners in grades 10-12 and motivate them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) during their higher education studies. The program will include discussions on various scientific topics and career paths to help learners make informed decisions about their future education and career paths.


of Health Sciences: Nelson Mandela University

06/12/2023

We are delighted to share the news that Dr. Mpho Phehello Ngoepe is representing the DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform at the CHCP National Conference 2023. The conference is running from December 4th to 7th at Kruger National Park, Skukuza Rest Camp in Mpumalanga.

This year's theme is "Machine Learning, Cloud, and Quantum Computing: The Changing Landscape of HPC". Dr. Mpho Phehello Ngoepe will be delivering a talk titled "Application of High-Performance Computing in Nanomedicine: Lipid-Based Nanocarriers and Biogenic Nanoparticles" on December 7th. With his vast knowledge and expertise in the field, he is sure to inspire and enlighten the audience. We are confident that his presentation will be a valuable contribution to the conference and will help advance the field of nanomedicine.

DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform. Nelson Mandela University. CSIR

01/12/2023

18/11/2023

Today, November 18, marks the beginning of , which will run until November 24th. The theme for this year is "Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together." This week provides a great opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers posed by AMR and the ways to prevent it.

Meet Zibuyisile Banele Methula, one of our team members who is developing a phytocosmetic cream containing green synthesized silver nanoparticles for the management of microbial skin infections. “Skin diseases have a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life; they distort their body image and affect their social interactions. Seeking treatment for skin problems can be expensive, and there is a growing concern about antimicrobial resistance in dermatological practices. My goal is to create a viable alternative to traditional treatments that is natural, safe, and cost-effective”.

As the DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform, we strongly emphasize the importance of using antibiotics sensibly and appropriately in all sectors. Taking necessary precautions to reduce the likelihood of infections and disposing of waste contaminated with antibiotics according to best practices can help reduce the risk of AMR. Let's work together to prevent AMR.

14/11/2023

Today, November 14, is - Did you know 1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes? Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all cases. The DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform aims to spread awareness about our research on the applications of nanomedicine in diabetes. We believe that this is the perfect time to take action and educate people about the threat posed by this disease.

Zwivhuya Livhalani (left) is a Master’s candidate in Nano-biomedical Science at Nelson Mandela University. Her research project focuses on the antidiabetic effects of green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles in liver and muscle cell lines. “My goal is to address the gaps and challenges in developing antihyperglycemic drugs, leading to better diabetes management”.

Vuyiseka Ntsalu (right) is a PhD candidate and currently a lecturer in the Pharmacy Department at Nelson Mandela University. Her project is about the development of a nanotheranostic for identification and removal of common pathogens in diabetic foot infections at the Nelson Mandela Bay Region. “My research interest was sparked by the personal experience of losing my grandmother to a diabetic foot ulcer in 2014. This tragedy led me to commit myself to research, focusing on identifying cost-effective strategies for managing chronic wounds. The overarching objective is to improve both the quality and quantity of people's lives”.

Let us all work together to educate communities about diabetes and living a healthy lifestyle. we can help beat diabetes.

10/11/2023

It is a great honour for the DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform, to announce and congratulate Zosela Itumeleng 🥇for winning the Young Science Communicator's Competition in the Audio Category. The award gala dinner was held to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the DSI-SACNASP and was hosted by the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation.

This year's theme was "Advancing Professionalization, Scientific Integrity, and Inclusivity".

Zosela Itumeleng is a PhD candidate at Nelson Mandela University, where her research focuses on exploring a promising approach for the treatment of colon cancer using gold nanoparticles synthesized from plant materials.

06/11/2023

Today, November 6, is the commemoration of , which aims to create awareness about malaria and mobilize the community to participate in malaria control programmes.

Malaria, a major global health issue, is primarily caused by the Plasmodium protozoan parasite and is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Current treatments include single drugs like chloroquine, lumefantrine, and primaquine, as well as combination therapies like artemisinin or its derivatives. However, resistance to antimalarial drugs has increased, necessitating new, innovative treatment strategies.

Nanotechnology, a rapidly developing field, has the potential to revolutionize drug development by improving drug delivery systems, reducing side effects, and increasing efficacy. Although there are no currently approved nanotechnology-based antimalarial drugs, several promising candidates are in preclinical development. The main challenge to developing nanotechnology-based antimalarial drugs is the high production cost. However, as nanotechnology technology advances, production costs are expected to decrease.

The DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform aims to train the next generation of scientists and clinicians in nanomedicine, building a strong research and development capacity in South Africa and Africa for developing new and innovative malaria and other diseases.

01/11/2023

What an achievement! 🥉 🎉 Congratulations to Nqubela Genuka, Mulondi Nedombeloni, Zizipho Mamba, and Zama Masina for winning the third prize for the ZCE poster presentation in the Annual BPharm 4 Research Symposium 2023, hosted by Pharmacy at Nelson Mandela University at Nelson Mandela University.

The title of the poster is "Synthesis of Liposome Loaded with Copper Nanoparticles and Ibuprofen for Chronic Wound Healing and Pain Management". Supervised by our staff members, Dr. Steven Mufamadi, Dr. Mpho Phehello Ngoepe, and Dr. Stiaan Schoeman.

As the DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform , our mission includes working with students in an interdisciplinary research environment to develop cutting-edge nanomedicine research that makes a positive impact on society and helps address Sustainable Development Goals.

31/10/2023

This October, we aim to go beyond raising 🎗. Catch Stiaan Schoeman, a postdoctoral researcher associate at the DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform, on Madibaz Radio from 3PM–5PM, Diba Drive Show. He will be talking about incorporating coumarins into nanoparticles for medical purposes.

The DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform emphasizes the importance of early screening since most cases detected at later stages lead to a lower rate of recovery. We believe that education about breast cancer is the key to finding a solution; hence, we fully support scientific research that strives to improve breast cancer treatment.

25/10/2023

This week we were thrilled to host a Multiwave 5000 Training on and a Monowave 450 Training on .

Special thanks to Anton Paar Southern Africa sales representatives for running such a successful training.

18/10/2023

Join -Mandela Nanomedicine Platform this coming week for a Multiwave 5000 (Microwave) Training on October 23, 2023, from 12:00–16:00 at the Nelson Mandela University, Missionvale Campus.

To register, please RSVP to: Thapelo.Maseko@mandela.ac.za

10/10/2023

October is in South Africa. Today, October 10, is .

As the DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform, we actively support mental health and the well-being of our team members. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and conducive working environment for everyone to flourish.

Meet one of our team member, Ntandoyenkosi Zuma highlighting the importance of mental health in a workplace environment. "A healthy workplace should prioritize and embrace mental health. It is important to support team members, acknowledging that everyone is unique and extraordinary in their own way. As a go-getter, I am not afraid to pursue my goals and embrace the future. This month, I encourage you to join me on a self-care journey. It is time to break the stigma surrounding mental health, and it is important to understand that taking care of your mental health is a process that requires patience. Remember, Your Mental Health matters!"

03/10/2023

As we are still in 🎗 started on the 15th of August running until the 15th of October with the goal of creating awareness and encourage people to be bone marrow stem cell donors.

Meet Okuhle Ngqaka, DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform Intern and a currently enrolled Master’s candidate in Nanoscience at Nelson Mandela University.

“My goal is to contribute to the development of novel therapies for leukemia using nanotechnology. Conventional treatments are used to prolong the lives of patients but have adverse side effects that are detrimental to the patient and are expensive. I am currently working on synthesizing metallic nanoparticles using an indigenous plant used in traditional medicine to treat leukemia cells in vitro. Aiming to contribute significantly to leukemia research while also exploring a sustainable and effective alternative for targeting leukemia cells, potentially minimizing side effects and enhancing treatment outcomes."

At the DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform we encourage the development of cutting-edge nanomedicine research to make a positive impact on society.

21/09/2023

DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform congratulates 🎉 and wishes Zenande Pali the best of luck for being selected to participate in the Falling Walls Lab Cape Town 2023! A world-class pitch competition and networking forum for students and early-career professionals.

Zenande Pali is a PhD candidate at Nelson Mandela University. Her areas of expertise are cancer research, pharmaceutics, and nanomedicine.

20/09/2023

September is month in South Africa.

Meet Wimana Gwimo, a currently enrolled PhD candidate at Nelson Mandela University. "My area of expertise is the development and testing of novel pharmaceutical systems to improve women's health. I am currently working on developing anticancer drug-loaded nanoparticles in 3D-printed hydrogels for the intended secondary prevention of cervical cancer."

Death from cervical cancer is mainly preventable with effective screening and treatment of precancerous lesions. Regrettably, current treatment options are limited to surgical procedures that are associated with high costs, obstetric complications, and an increased risk of disease recurrence. Wimana Gwimo's work proposes the synergistic use of nanotechnology and mucoadhesive technology to address these shortcomings.

Cervical cancer can be prevented, and when it is diagnosed early, it can be treated. As the DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform, we encourage women to undergo screening and prevent cervical cancer. Together, we can make a difference in fighting cervical cancer.

11/09/2023

Nelson Mandela University Research Week ✨

DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform. Nelson Mandela University

11/09/2023

DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform was there at the Convention.

Our postgraduate students, Zenande Pali and Yolanda Mbalentle Mngcongo, were among the students selected for sponsorship, and they attended the 6th annual BIO Africa Convention in 2023. Under the theme “Re-imagining Biotechnology Innovation for Africa’s Development and Security.

The convention was aimed at curating an environment where entrepreneurship and Innovation can thrive in an African Context.



DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform. Nelson Mandela University