Nano Iron Ribbon Foundation

Pioneering Nanotechnology for Health and Energy

Small particles. New possibilities.

Nanotechnology opens new opportunities to understand disease, develop innovative treatments, and explore alternative ways of generating energy.

The Nano Iron Ribbon Foundation supports pioneering research that brings these possibilities closer to reality.

Our work focuses on two innovative research programmes:

Programme 1

Ferumoxtran MRI — Seeing What Conventional Imaging Misses

Ferumoxtran-enhanced MRI uses ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles to reveal macrophage-associated biological information beyond what conventional anatomical imaging can show.

By exploiting the uptake of nanoparticles by macrophages, this technology can help identify small lymph node metastases and provide insights into disease processes involving inflammation and immune cells.

Following decades of research, ferumoxtran MRI has progressed into advanced clinical development.

Programme 2

NanoBioVolt — Generating Energy Through Nanotechnology

Harnessing biological chemistry to generate electricity at the nanoscale.

What if tiny devices could use glucose — a naturally occurring source of chemical energy — to generate electricity?

NanoBioVolt explores this possibility through enzyme-based nano bio-fuel cells.

Explore NanoBioVolt

FREC Think Tank

FREC — Fe-contrast Research, Education & Clinical translation Think Tank

An initiative of the foundation to connect expertise in iron-enhanced MRI: developing a shared research agenda, supporting education and advancing clinical translation.

Explore FREC Express your interest

Schematic of the nano bio-fuel-cell design — Original schematic of the nano-bio-fuel-cell design.

The technology combines nanoscale electrodes with enzymes that facilitate electrochemical reactions involving glucose. These reactions enable the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy at the nanoscale.

Our long-term vision is to explore how such technology might contribute to new approaches in medicine, miniaturised devices, and sustainable energy research.

Unlike conventional rechargeable batteries, an enzymatic bio-fuel cell generates electricity through chemical reactions involving an available fuel.

NanoBioVolt brings demonstrated electrochemical functionality into the next stage of laboratory research.

Two research programmes. One foundation. A shared commitment to scientific progress.

Join Our Research Journey