NanoBiosciences Institute

The NanoBiosciences Institute focuses on key areas such as nanomaterials, biosensing, drug delivery, and diagnostics to impact real-world health problems.

The NanoBiosciences Institute

The NanoBiosciences Institute (NBI), led by the Office of Research, advances cutting-edge R&D in nanomaterials, biosensing, drug delivery, diagnostics, and the environmental impact of nanotechnology. It brings together prominent experts across disciplines to train our nation's future scientists, develop transformative technologies, and improve the quality of life for all. Faculty from various colleges, including the College of Medicine, the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the College of Arts & Sciences, form its advisory board to drive research excellence.

This is a new strategic initiative led by Pat Limbach, Vice President for Research. To get involved or to find out more information, please contact us at research@uc.edu!

Vision

To become a sustained research driver in Nanobiosciences for UC and the region, that breaks down the traditional disciplinary barriers and facilitates new research opportunities and thus becomes a destination for faculty and trainees to advance UC’s institutional reputation and deliver the workforce and leaders of the future.

Mission

As a part of the Next Lives Here Urban Futures pathway, the Nanobiosciences Institute (NBI) will advance multidisciplinary research across colleges by leveraging expertise in Nanobiosciences to build programs for solving critical biomedical problems and develop solutions that can lead to improved healthcare.

Program Areas

Nanomedicine & Drug Delivery

Nanomedicine involves the design and use of nanoscale materials to develop transformative solutions in drug delivery, imaging, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine. Current foci include:

RNA Nanotherapeutics: Intelligent RNA design for treating cancer and eye diseases with high stability and low immunogenicity.
Lipid/Polymer Nanoparticles: Customized carriers for targeted delivery of vaccines and therapeutics.
Microbial Nanotechnology: Engineered bacteria for targeted drug/immunomodulator delivery in cancer and infectious diseases.
Extracellular Vexicle Diagnostics & Therapeutics: Using extracellular vesicles for early detection and precision treatment via gene/RNA therapies.

Nanomaterials

This program applies nanomaterial science to develop multifunctional structures for therapeutic delivery and biosensing.

Nanostructure Design: Precision synthesis and tuning of nanoparticles for biological applications.
Surface Functionalization: Enhancing targeting and biocompatibility through engineered surfaces.
Multifunctionality: Combining photothermal, magnetic, and electrical properties to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Nano-Bio Interface: Studying cellular interactions with nanomaterials to improve safety and efficacy.

Biosensors, Diagnostics, & Medical Devices

By combining synthetic and biological materials, this area builds next-gen diagnostic and therapeutic devices that address urgent biomedical needs.

Diagnostics: Point-of-care platforms for early detection of cancer, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases.
Therapeutics: Controlled drug delivery systems for better patient outcomes.
Biosensors: Ultra-sensitive environmental and health monitors.
Example Projects: Nanofiber-based drug platforms, virus detection sensors, immunoassay-enhancing nanostructures.

Nanotoxicity

This area investigates the biological risks of nanoparticle exposure and strategies for mitigation, with a focus on real-time imaging and cellular response studies.

Super-resolution Imaging: Visualizing NP effects on organelles like mitochondria and lysosomes.
Real-time Internalization Studies: Tracking how NPs enter cells and disrupt processes.
NP Aggregation/Agglomeration: Studying NP behavior in physiological conditions to predict effects.
Mitigation Tools: Optogenetic techniques to preserve organelles and limit toxicity.

Advisory Board

NBI is supported by an executive advisory board of experts from across the University. This multidisciplinary team will shape NBI’s programs and drive research excellence, ensuring UC remains a leader in nanobioscience.

Congratulations to the Inaugural NBI Acceleration Grant Awardees

Consistent with the University of Cincinnati’s mission to advance cutting-edge research and drive transformative discovery, the Nanobiosciences Institute (NBI) Acceleration Grant aims to catalyze groundbreaking efforts in nanotechnology and its applications in medicine, toxicology, and health innovation. This program is designed to support researchers in the inaugural cohort of the NBI, fostering projects that push the boundaries of nanobioscience and establish UC as a leader in this critical interdisciplinary field. By enabling these promising endeavors, the NBI Acceleration Grant program supports a bold vision for the future of nanobiosciences: accelerating meaningful advances that address urgent health challenges and enhance quality of life.

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Contact Us

Questions? Contact us at research@uc.edu.