The DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre

Thanks to NIC the University of Western Cape, Rhodes University and the University of Johannesburg can undertake and coordinate research activities in biolabels, sensors and water respectively. The activities of NIC concentrate on the R&D of various nanostructured materials or nanominerals and their applications in health (diagnostics, therapeutics), water (monitoring and remediation) and other related fields. This includes the development of various nanostructured materials as semi-commercial products which are further used as therapeutic systems or tools.Importantly, the nanomaterial systems are used for the development of rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostic prototypes (either optical or electrochemical) and to enhance the performance of membrane systems for water treatment. Within the NIC, the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) are actively involved at the development platforms, thereby, turning nanoscience into nanotechnology. Mintek NIC hosts world class characterisation and fabrication facilities and has expertise in computational modelling.